1. Shuey injury dampens a strong midfield performance
Everything was going smoothly for the Eagles until midway through the third quarter when Luke Shuey hobbled off with a left ankle injury. The midfield prime mover was having another solid game – 14 disposals, three clearances and five tackles – before he was assisted off and headed straight to the rooms. It took the gloss off a strong team performance in the middle of the ground, as Andrew Gaff (29 disposals) Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis (28), Matt Rosa (28) and classy youngster Dom Sheed (20) all contributed strongly. 

2. Hard to read much into that for the Eagles
Playing the Lions must have not only felt like a different game, but a different sport for the Eagles from last week's Derby against Fremantle. While the Dockers bashed, harassed and battered the Eagles into an early submission, the Lions fumbled, bumbled and gift-wrapped the ball and four premiership points to their opponents. The Eagles are now 2-2 and with their decimated defence – which Jeremy McGovern did another sterling job of holding together – it's hard to see them advancing too far in 2015, but their even spread of contributors and improved pressure should give supporters reason for optimism. 

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3. Rocky return for Lions skipper
Tom Rockliff was no doubt brave in returning to action just three weeks after breaking ribs and puncturing his lung, but with the benefit of hindsight, the intelligence of the decision has to be questioned. The Lions skipper was clearly hampered and had little influence on the contest. He started in the centre square at the first bounce but spent much of his time in the forward 50 and finished with just 16 disposals – well down on his 2014 average of 33. His leadership is priceless and he tried hard, but another week on the sidelines may have been better in the long run. 

4. Aish again in Leppa's bad books
Just two weeks after being banished to the NEAFL, James Aish again appears in the coach's doghouse. The out-of-contract South Australian was having a nightmare day with just six disposals (only two were effective) in two-and-a-half quarters of action before Justin Leppitsch gave him the hook. Aish is the centre of much speculation surrounding where he'll play in 2016 and this won't help. He's a second-year player – and we all know they're prone to inconsistency – but his form must be a concern for all at the club. 

5. Kennedy misses a chance to kick another bag
Rightly or wrongly, Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy has forged himself a reputation for feasting on lesser opponents, and he missed another golden opportunity against the Lions. He averages six goals a game against both Gold Coast and GWS and kicked 10 against Carlton two weeks ago, but today wasn't quite his day. After being gifted two goals from turnovers in the opening quarter, he looked set for a huge haul, but despite having 16 disposals and taking six marks inside the forward 50, the big guy finished with just 3.5.