1. McIntosh's long wait worth it
Kamdyn McIntosh was on Richmond's list for two seasons before his debut on Thursday night, and he was intent on not wasting any time out there. The first gamer showed why he was picked in Damien Hardwick's round one line-up with a tough, aggressive performance. He was the tackler who drove Dale Thomas into the ground and dislocated the Blue's shoulder in the opening minute, and he continued in the same fashion. By half-time the midfielder had gathered 13 disposals, including a terrific goal where he outmuscled opponent Chris Judd and streamed into goal. Of the many new faces on each side – including those who had crossed from rivals during the off-season – McIntosh had the biggest influence and was close to best afield in the Tigers' 27-point win, collecting 23 touches.

Full match coverage: Tigers win a fiery opener

2. Where's best for Jack?
Being an entertaining and animated goalkicker means Jack Riewoldt probably has more eyes focused on him than most players. And it's always interesting to see where on the ground the dual Coleman medallist actually plays. For most of the first half, Riewoldt was used up the ground, getting most of his touches outside the forward 50. Things shifted in the second half of the second term, when he moved closer to goal. His goal was one of 11 consecutive scoring shots for the Tigers in that term, but Jack was happy at times to play the decoy role as Richmond looked for fellow tall option Ben Griffiths. After the main break Riewoldt proved he is most effective inside 50. He snapped a classy goal in the third term and then marked strongly in the last term to finish with four goals and a productive night out.

3. The fastest report ever?
It seems unlikely there would ever have been a player reported as early in a season as Brett Deledio was on Thursday night, when field umpire Brett Rosebury took Deledio's number seven seconds into the opening term. The Tigers' vice-captain charged into Blue Simon White after the first bounce and collected White's head with his hip as he leant over the ball. The new guidelines for the Match Review Panel have shown lower-impact incidents through the pre-season graded as fines instead of suspensions. But the early view is that Deledio is in some danger of missing Richmond's meeting with the Western Bulldogs next Saturday. The 27-year-old was subbed out of the game in the last term.

4. Mick's forward mix
With Jarrad Waite gone, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has had to restructure his forward set-up. Against the Tigers, Lachie Henderson spent plenty of time in attack alongside new recruit Liam Jones. Jones, who crossed from the Western Bulldogs last year, kicked the first goal of the game – and finished with 2.1 – and jumped well at the ball in the air. Kristian Jaksch, who headed to the Blues from Greater Western Sydney, started in defence and moved forward in the second term. He switched back later in proceedings. Carlton decided to leave out Levi Casboult, naming the marking forward an emergency for the Tigers clash. At times his presence would have been handy for the Blues as they sent the ball inside-50.

5. Dimmed lights, 'Fev' and the hovercraft
We almost heard more about clubs' 'match-day experience' plans over summer than we did about the Cricket World Cup. And on Thursday night, home team Carlton opened proceedings in the pre-game fan engagement stakes by bringing back the hovercraft and Captain Carlton mascot. The club aimed to turn the MCG a shade of dark navy blue by turning off the lights and using the LED signage to reference its proud history. Former goalkicker Brendan Fevola delivered the match-balls and nobody at the ground was in any doubt it was a Carlton home game – something all clubs will be buoyed by given the effort put in by marketing teams over the pre-season.