1. Lack of Giants forward structure
Missing three key targets in attack, the Giants' forward structure played directly into Geelong's hands. The Cats took 11 intercept marks in their defensive 50 in the first three quarters, the Giants taking just one mark in the same part of the ground in that period. With Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene and Rory Lobb sidelined, Stephen Coniglio started at full-forward with Jon Patton in the ruck. Giants debutant Lachie Keeffe shared the ruck duties at times, allowing Patton to play forward. Defender Jeremy Finlayson moved forward in the final term to kick his first career goal, but it was all too late.
FULL MATCH DETAILS: Everything from Cats v Giants
2. Geelong's premiership term
Whatever the Cats did at half-time, they'll be repeating the plan for the remainder of the season. They blew the Giants out of the water in the premiership term. Patrick Dangerfield kicked two of the Cats' five goals, keeping the Giants to just two behinds for the whole term. It was the Giants' first goalless quarter since the qualifying final loss last year to Adelaide.
SHOWREEL: Flying Cats dominate the air
WATCH: Big Sav snatches it after a bit of juggling
3. Crameri's long time coming
Stewart Crameri's long wait for his century was reminiscent of Shane Watson's struggles in his career, but he repaid the faith with two goals. The former Bomber and Bulldog got better as the game went longer and kicked his first goal in Cats colours late in the second term before he was swamped by every teammate on the ground. Playing his 97th game in the 2015 elimination final, Crameri had to wait a further 966 days to play game 100 after his WADA ban and a spate of hip setbacks. "I don't think we can overstate how proud we are of what he's worked through," coach Chris Scott said post-match. "It is clear at 29 this is probably his last chance at the big time and he just continues to put his hand up."
Every Geelong teammate helped Stewart Crameri celebrate his first goal for the Cats. Picture: AFL Photos
4. Giants' costly kicking
Leon Cameron's frustration over his side's inept goalkicking would have escalated in the first 15 minutes of the second term. As the Giants continued to mount attacking forays, Sam Reid, Daniel Lloyd and Zac Langdon – albeit with a tough effort from the pocket – missed set shots. They were made to look worse as Jordan Murdoch converted at the other end after the Giants had nine of the first 10 inside 50s of the quarter.
WATCH: An injury to Dylan Shiel didn't help the Giants' cause
5. Hot water for Hawkins?
Tom Hawkins will have a nervous wait to Saturday afternoon's Match Review findings after making contact with umpire Dean Margetts in the second term. After Margetts awarded a 50 metre penalty against Hawkins for a late knee on Nick Haynes, Hawkins appeared to brush Margetts' hand away. If found guilty by Michael Christian, Hawkins will be referred directly to the tribunal. However, if it is deemed careless, Hawkins may receive a fine – just like five players last week. Christian said last week he sent clubs a memo in early April to highlight a growing number of umpire collisions with players.
