1. De Goey and Pendles ensure its seventh heaven for Pies
Jordan De Goey knocked back a "godfather offer" from North Melbourne to re-sign with Collingwood and demonstrated in the clutch against the Bombers exactly why he has become such a valuable weapon for the Magpies. In a closely fought tussle, De Goey's power and confidence to step up in the big moments – as he bagged three majors – was the difference between the sides. Pendlebury's leadership in the final term was equally significant, with the Magpies skipper racking up 14 disposals to finish the match with a game-high 34 touches. Their performances have seen the Magpies win their seventh game in a row for the first time since 2012.

PIES EDGE DONS IN THRILLER Full match coverage and stats

2. Man of Steele delivers in milestone game
Steele Sidebottom is universally admired for his consistency and ability to stand up in big games. A Collingwood fan favourite, Sidebottom has raised his game to a new level this season and is right in contention to receive his first All Australian guernsey. Sidebottom’s goal in the first quarter, which saw him baulk around Bombers opponent Travis Colyer and turn comfortably onto his non-preferred left foot and launch a goal from outside 50m on the boundary line, encapsulated his elite skillset and the consistent excellence he has portrayed over his 200-game career. Sidebottom finished with 27 disposals and two goals to underline his class, receiving a standing ovation when he possessed the ball late in the game.

3. Injury concerns for both clubs
Patrick Ambrose cannot take a trick. A wrist injury in the pre-season forced him to miss the first five games of the year, while the athletic defender returned to the senior side against North Melbourne last weekend after another week in the VFL. But a hamstring injury suffered in the first term of Sunday's game means he is set for another stint on the sidelines. Magpie Will Hoskin-Elliott also had his own injury concern with a knock to his right knee, although the skilful wingman was able to return to the field and played out the game. Hoskin-Elliott was certainly proppy, but it was important for Collingwood's rotations that he was able to continue. Flynn Appleby looks like he will miss an extended period of time after hurting his hamstring late in the game.

4. The Pies Dunn well covering for injured defender
A key question leading into Sunday's game was how Collingwood was going to replace Lynden Dunn, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Nathan Buckley resisted the urge to push mature-age rookie Brody Mihocek, who was drafted as a defender, back to the backline with Tom Langdon and Matthew Scharenberg both stepping up in Dunn's absence. Langdon was one of the Magpies' best, particularly in his ability to come off his man and support his teammates. While the undersized duo stood up against the Bombers, it will be interesting to see whether the Magpies recall Darcy Moore in the coming weeks as he builds match time in the VFL after a hamstring injury.

5. Free kicks rile up Bomber fans
Irate Essendon fans made their feelings clear about several umpiring decisions throughout the game, with Collingwood eventually receiving 27 free kicks to Essendon's 17. With Essendon leading by a point midway through the final term, a pivotal 50m penalty against Brendon Goddard for impeding Magpies star Steele Sidebottom  left the Bomber faithful particularly incensed. Sidebottom's resultant goal put the Magpies in front for the final time and gave the Magpies enough breathing room to hold onto victory.