Late in the second quarter, James Podsiadly took a screamer that may be a contender for mark of the year. The grab brought back memories of high-flying efforts from Collingwood's Chris Tarrant (v Melbourne in 2001) and Richmond's Michael Roach (v Hawthorn in 1979). Podsiadly sat on a pack of players that included teammates Tom Hawkins and Steven Motlop, and opponents Jarryn Geary and Tom Simpkin. A push in the back from Rhys Stanley as he flew saw him land heavily on Hawkins. 

Everyone felt sympathy for Geelong ruckman Dawson Simpson when he went down writhing in agony after contesting the first bounce of the second quarter. Simpson was playing just his 11th game in a breakout season after being pick No.34 in 2007. Luckily, in the context of what might have been, Simpson had dislocated his left knee rather than suffering an ACL injury. However, it might end his season, which is disappointing for the popular big man. St Kilda's James Gwilt, who had a knee reconstruction in 2011, was also subbed off after hurting his knee. Unfortunately for Gwilt, and the Saints – who lack tall defenders – first reports were he had suffered a medial ligament strain that may put him out for eight weeks. The Saints were also forced to take Nick Riewoldt from the ground after he suffered what appeared to be a foot injury in the third quarter. He tried to keep going but could not put any pressure on and the coach decided the champion should not be risked any further and he finished the game on the bench. 

Given some of the starts the Cats have conceded to their opposition this year, to be level at quarter-time was a good result. Given Geelong has won 24 of the 32 second and third quarters it has contested this season it was only a matter of time before it accelerated away. The Cats kicked eight goals to one in the second quarter, enjoying a stiff breeze that was pushing towards the stadium's river end. Then against the wind in the third quarter it kept the pressure on with four goals without conceding one. In that period it managed 39 to 12 inside 50s.  St Kilda did not kick a goal from midway through the second quarter. It was the first time since 1996 (in round 18 against North Melbourne) the Saints have been held goalless in a second half.

St Kilda had not travelled down Geelong road to take on the Cats since round 18, 2004. Both were set for successful eras but obviously only the Cats managed to win a flag. Sixteen players in this game played in the epic 2009 Grand Final that Geelong won by two goals. Of the nine Cats playing in this game, Tom Hawkins, Joel Selwood and Travis Varcoe remain in the middle of their careers ready to lead another generation. The Saints, on the other hand, virtually lost a generation. It explains the gap that now exists between the two teams.   

The community of Geelong was devastated with the news that young South Barwon footballer Casey Tutungi was now a quadriplegic after receiving a knock during a game of football. Tutungi had played with Geelong's VFL team and this game was marked as a start of fundraising efforts. Paul Chapman and Allen Christensen were reportedly shaking tins outside the ground to raise money, the players were donating jumpers and Tutungi's partner Bridget Ure tossed the coin before the game. Ure is pregnant with the couple's first child. However, after the game both teams made a brilliant gesture of support, sitting for a photo under the scoreboard holding Tutungi's jumper. His mates, Corey Enright and Jack Steven (the Saint played alongside Tutungi at Lorne) held the jumper. The photo will be used to raise the money for the Tutungi family, with the total having reached close to $77,000 at game's end.