1. One-man Lynch mob
Call it an audition, a reminder of his talents or just a bloody good performance – whatever it was, free agency-bound Tom Lynch was magnificent on Saturday. His first significant moment was a classy centering ball on his non-preferred left foot to set up Darcy Macpherson's game-opening goal. Lynch got lucky twice soon after – firstly when opponent Liam Jones misread an incoming ball, and secondly when Ciaran Byrne's tackle on him was adjudged in the back – to kick his first major. That was already better than the Gold Coast co-captain's last effort against Carlton and Jones, when he managed just one behind. This time, Lynch had three goals by quarter-time, six by the main break and eventually a personal-best eight. Lynch was already an All Australian in 2016 and, at age 25, he's in the conversation as the most valuable key forward in the game (translation: he's worth more than $1 million-a-season).
2. Did we somehow overrate Carlton?
The footy media and public were so desperate to see the Blues play attacking football that we may have flattered them in round one. Sure, a Charlie Curnow-inspired Carlton booted the first five goals against Richmond and finished with 15, but the Tigers still won by 26 points. That is, despite Richmond coughing up seven goals from free kicks, including four from 50m penalties. The 71 inside 50s the Blues conceded to the yellow and black was also worryingly ugly. Carlton started favourite against Gold Coast, but was never really in the contest once the Suns kicked the opening three majors. The Blues' ball use was abhorrent and stagnant – starting with Marc Murphy and trickling down – they struggled to deal with Gold Coast's pressure and have too many players out of form, a problem when the depth is already shallow.
WATCH: Lynch's big day out destroys the Blues
3. Gold Coast pressure lifts the heat
The Suns have started a season 2-0 for the first time since winning their opening three matches in 2016. If there's one thing they are becoming known for under new coach Stuart Dew it is their heightened pressure. Gold Coast led the AFL in 'pressure points' in the JLT Community Series and was ranked No.1 for 'pressure factor' in the first round. If those fancy terms don't work for you, then the Suns' tackle numbers against North Melbourne (98) and Carlton (94) should be all the convincing you need. Almost half of their scores (7.6) came via Blues turnovers, with Touk Miller (27), Aaron Hall (26) – once demeaned for his defensive game – and David Swallow (26) having the most pressure acts in the match.
WATCH: Jack Martin at his brilliant best
4. Wondering what's wrong with Weitering?
Jacob Weitering, the AFL's No.1 draft pick in 2015, is seemingly bereft of confidence. With Matthew Kreuzer (groin) a late out, the Blues swung Levi Casboult into the ruck and Weitering into the forward line. The latter move, in particular, was disastrous. Weitering had one kick to half-time and was a non-factor, with Rory Thompson shoving him aside all too easily in one third-quarter contest. His only goal came from a free kick when Jack Bowes flattened him coming from the opposite direction. Weitering left the field to be looked at by medical staff and returned to the field as a defender, having just as little impact down there. He is still a baby in AFL terms, but most worrying is the fact he has gone backwards.
WATCH: Lynch sells some candy
5. Switching colours
Nick Holman and Jarrod Garlett started at Carlton and Gold Coast, respectively, but both spent time out of elite ranks before getting a second chance in last year's drafts. Holman impressed in the wet last week with 13 tackles and was strong in that area again on Saturday. He left the field in the opening quarter because of a deep gash under his left eye and went off again with a bloodied nose in the fourth term, but will be pleased with how he's faring in red and gold. Garlett couldn't back up his two-goal, 17-disposal effort on his Blues debut, but his skyscraping leap (he failed to bring the ball down) in the second quarter brought the Navy Blue faithful to their feet.
