The focal point heading into the game, Franklin showed a big improvement on last week's quiet debut against Greater Western Sydney. He still looks a little underdone, but he kicked two goals, including a booming left-foot effort from around 55 metres. He was unable to really influence the match when it was in the balance in the final term, but he did enough to show there is still plenty of magic left in his legs.
2. Zero and two
With both sides suffering poor round one defeats, the blowtorch was going to be applied to whoever lost on Saturday night. It turns out that will be the Swans. Talked up as premiership favourites entering the season, there is still plenty of time for them to right the ledger. But another loss in their tough road trip to meet the Crows in Adelaide will have the critics at their door.
3. White Pie and a new Blood
Jesse White produced his best season in the AFL for the Swans in 2013 before being squeezed out following Franklin's arrival. He missed the opening-round loss to Fremantle with a calf problem, but recovered to take on his old side, although he endured a very quiet night. Tom Derickx also made his maiden appearance for the Swans. With Shane Mumford now plying his trade across town at the Giants, Derickx – who earned just two games for Richmond last season – has an opportunity to join the long list of recycled players to forge a career in Sydney. His was also an inauspicious beginning, however, and he will be under pressure to retain his place if Lewis Roberts-Thomson (groin) returns to full fitness.
4. Pies' new skipper relishing his role
In his first year as Collingwood captain, Scott Pendlebury appears tailor-made for the leadership role. He lifted his output the further the game progressed, ending the night with 33 touches, 10 tackles, 10 inside 50s and nine clearances to play a key role in a victory that shows there is plenty of life in the Pies' season.
5. Maxwell's milestone a day to remember
Not always considered among the competition's elite defenders outside of his club, Nick Maxwell has quietly put together an outstanding career at the Pies. A skipper for five seasons, including leading them to their 2010 flag, he stepped down at the start of this year as Scott Pendlebury took over. Rookie-listed back in 2003, Maxwell chalked up game No.200 against the Swans.
Twitter: @AFL_JD
