Coach Mick Malthouse said in the lead-up to Saturday's match that his Blues were yet to hit top gear in any game this year. There were periods against GWS when they were underwhelming, but a mid-game burst that saw them kick 13 of 14 goals surely qualifies as top gear. Chris Yarran came into the team and kicked three goals, Jeff Garlett booted four, and Andrew Walker was prolific across half-back with 34 mostly attacking possessions. Carlton's dominance was achieved without late withdrawal Chris Judd (hamstring) and with captain Marc Murphy quiet.
2. The education of Toby Greene
In a new role for the young Giants midfielder, Toby Greene was sent to Garlett in what turned out to be an entertaining match-up. The dangerous Carlton goalsneak took the points with his four goals, while Greene racked up 28 disposals and four rebound 50s. Late in the second quarter Greene found himself isolated against his man, who had crumbed cleanly and was streaming towards an open goal. In a pleasing piece of play for Greene, who no doubt learned plenty on Saturday, he chased hard and pressured Garlett whose dribbled attempt on goal missed.
3. Armfield's burst
Dennis Armfield is better know for his ability to stop his opponent, but on Saturday he was given creative licence and came up with the goal of the match. As he broke into space and approached the Blues' forward 50, Heath Scotland placed a kick in front of the speedster and backed him to outrun Matt Buntine. He did, racing into the goalsquare to kick an electrifying goal halfway through the first term. The pass to set Armfield up was reminiscent of Luke Parker's kick in round nine to set up Sydney Swans teammate Lewis Jetta.
4. Old rivals bid farewell
Above ground level, behind glass, a battle between the game's two most experienced coaches took place likely for the last time. With Kevin Sheedy set to hand over control of the young Giants to Leon Cameron at season's end, Saturday's match shaped as the last in which he would square off against old rival Mick Malthouse. The pair passed Tom Hafey and Ron Barassi on Saturday for most games as opposing coaches (47) in AFL/VFL history. Their rivalry is legendary, with Sheedy finishing on top in the head-to-head stakes, 27-20. Malthouse, however, was the winner in their first clash, at Windy Hill in 1984, and again in their last.
5. Ward stands tall
Giants co-captain Callan Ward continued an outstanding individual season on Saturday and he should progress up the Official AFL Player Ratings as a result. Ward started the season ranked No.96 overall and he entered round 10 at No.22. Against the Blues, the hardnosed midfielder had 19 disposals by half time and he finished the match with 33. While the Giants' competitiveness fell away after the main break, conceding 16 of the game's last 18 goals, Ward pushed on admirably.
