Most stats point to the difference in class between the two sides. To win, Melbourne were always going to have to be at their absolute best. But after pressing early and not being able to apply any score board pressure, Collingwood were able to kick 7 consecutive goals for the game to be effectively finished at 1/4 time.

• Q 1 0.4 - 7.4
• Q2 5.6 - 10.7
• Q3 6.9 - 16.11
• Q4 8.12 - 19.12

For mine, four compelling stats point to why Melbourne were never a realistic chance to pull off an upset.

• Goal accuracy, 61% to 50%
• Disposal Efficiency, 75.55 to 71.59
• Contested Possession, 147 to 123
• Scoring Assists, 15 to 6

Simply, Melbourne were not able to get enough ball then keep it long enough to score.

Melbourne won the hit outs decisively 55 to 17 but were unable to capitalise on this dominance losing the clearances 35 to 38. Mark Jamar had a match high 31 hitouts but was well beaten around the ground by Josh Fraser. Fraser shaded him in contested possesions, clearances, marks inside 50's and scoring assists to be the dominant big man.

A forward target is still a major priority for the teams development with 11 marks inside the forward 50 for the game. The match committee bought back Russell Robertson after a week at Casey but failed to have any impact on the contest. 1 goal 3 with 2 gettable misses late is a disappointing return from a senior player. Robertson and Bruce both had 3 marks inside 50 with Robertson's inability to keep his feet or remain accountable for his man once again being a liability. Cameron Bruce did look dangerous in the forward 50 and is very good one on one in the air. This option may need to be used more as the year continues. Bruce or Green deep could give the Melbourne attack another dimension.

Heath Shaw's 10 rebounds also indicates the forward line coach has some work to do over the next fortnight to prepare for the hard running bombers.

Sylvia and Davis shared game high 6 clangers each. Although credited with a single clanger, a big worry is the ball use of Brock McLean. Rated as only 2nd to Chris Judd for effectiveness during the 2006 season, Brock's disposal efficiency was at 51% for the clash although 6 center clearances are a mitigating factor.

Jack Grimes continued his improvement winning 8 contested possessions, 3 contested marks, 5 rebounds at 72% efficiency. Along side Kyle Cheeney using the ball at 75%, a back line that has most permutations covered is continuing to develop although Grimes promotion to the midfield seems only a matter of time.

Without a doubt the highlight of the day was another outstanding performance by Colin Sylvia. 32 possesions and 3 goals adding weight to the argument that he is ready to take the step into the elite midfielders of the competition.