1. De Boer dominates
It's impossible to overstate the extent to which Matt de Boer has revived his career. When the gritty midfielder joined Greater Western Sydney from Fremantle in 2017 many people expected him to be a depth player. Now he's in the Giants' leadership group and in scintillating form. He racked up 15 first-quarter touches against Brisbane and finished with 34 disposals. Late in the second term, de Boer broke away from a couple of Lions and slotted a classy angled set shot. Nothing like a bit of confidence.
GIANTS V LIONS: All the details and stats
2. No ruck, no worries
GWS went into the game without a recognised ruckman – a ballsy move considering the hot form of Brisbane big man Stefan Martin. After Rory Lobb went down with a knee injury against Sydney in round three, the Giants rolled the dice by picking forgotten ruckman Dawson Simpson for the past fortnight. The decision to drop him for Saturday's clash meant GWS gave away the hit-outs 47-4. But that did not translate in the clearances, which the Giants won 34-27.
WATCH: Tomlinson rucks and rolls
3. Big O's road from shower screens to Spotless
Brisbane's Oscar McInerney had to overcome more than most to make his AFL debut. In 2014, the ‘Big O’ was splitting his time between seniors and seconds with Montrose in Melbourne's Eastern Football League. The 23-year-old then toughed it out in the VFL with Casey and, eventually, got on the Lions' list via the 2016 rookie draft. In that time, the 204cm ruckman had several part-time jobs, including delivering Christmas trees, and installing shower screens. Well done lad.
4. Lions stuck on the dreaded donut
This year could easily see the Lions record their worst start to a season since the merger. Saturday's defeat to the Giants means they are 0-6, just one loss away from equalling their lowly 2011 effort, when they were stuck on the dreaded donut for the first seven rounds. With clashes against Collingwood (home), Western Bulldogs (away), Hawthorn (home) and Sydney (home) to come, their first win could still be a while away.
WATCH: Eric Hipwood does his best Buddy impression
5. Zorko woes continue
Dayne Zorko would probably like to forget the past fortnight. The Lions vice-captain was accused of bad sportsmanship last week after refusing to shake hands with Gold Coast's Touk Miller, who tagged him out of the Q-Clash. The incident came under the microscope during the Access All Areas segment on afl.com.au. He had only 10 touches against the Suns and Zorko was quiet again this week, managing the same number at Spotless Stadium, although he did tumble through a sausage roll in the final term.
