WITH three premiership medallions, a Brownlow Medal and a Norm Smith Medal all tucked away in the trophy cabinet, there's not much more that can be said about Jimmy Bartel. In game 250, Bartel – as he so often does – rose to the occasion. He booted three first-half goals, slipping his opponent on numerous occasions. He cooled off a little in the second half, coming in for close attention from opponents Luke Brown and Brodie Smith. But a final-term goal emphasised how important the Cats' champion is going to be up forward for the Cats this season.

 

Adelaide made a point of bolstering its forward line stocks in the off-season. The Crows chased Eddie Betts with intent while they gleefully accepted James Podsiadly when he was let go by the Cats. With Taylor Walker (knee) on the sidelines for a few more weeks, the form of Betts, Podsiadly and Lewis Johnston would have warmed the hearts of Crows fans. Johnston's straight kicking was a delight, while Betts was constantly dangerous around the loose ball. Podsiadly was quieter, but he gives the Crows structure.

 

In 2013, Geelong was in desperate need of some tall targets with rookie big man Mark Blicavs forced to shoulder the bulk of the load. On Thursday night the Cats went in with three ruckman – Hamish McIntosh, Dawson Simpson (late inclusion) and Blicavs (as the substitute). Playing his first game since round seven, 2012, McIntosh kickstarted his Geelong career with an opening term goal. Simpson made a huge difference around the ruck contests until he was subbed out in the third term. Blicavs came on and acted as another midfielder when lined up on the wing. The three-man ruck setup is likely to be used by Geelong a lot this year.   

With round one split over two weeks, Thursday night football was an interesting time slot for the Geelong-Adelaide clash at Simonds Stadium. An impressive crowd of 23,622 turned up  and they certainly got their money's worth. Fans that AFL.com.au polled before the game were split in their support for the concept, with one saying: "It doesn't bother me, but I think people who are working and have got kids would be deterred."

 

Leading into the round one clash, there was fierce speculation Cats skipper Joel Selwood would not make it to the line. He strained his hamstring against Melbourne in Geelong's NAB Challenge clash with Melbourne on February 28 and missed the lead-in practice game against North Melbourne. Adding to his lack of preparation was the fact he had foot surgery in January. But Selwood proved all the doubters wrong with a stellar best afield display on Thursday night. He had 34 possessions, kicked two goals and laid six tackles.

 

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie