1. That's how you make an impression
The last time Charlie Cameron was seen on an AFL field, he was one of a number of Crows to have a disappointing game. He would have been keen to make amends in his first game at Brisbane and did not disappoint as the most dangerous Lions forward on Saturday. His electric speed made an instant impact at ground level, but he also showed he could impact at the other end of the ground. Cameron finished with 17 touches, five marks and kicked three goals in a very impressive Brisbane debut.
WATCH: Charlie Cameron kicks a curler
Click here for Full match details and stats
2. And that other new Lion…
Seeing Luke Hodge in a Lions jumper will probably never look normal, but the way he slotted into Brisbane's backline made it seem like the three-time Hawthorn premiership captain had been playing alongside his new teammates all his life. While he might have slowed down a touch, the 33-year-old's poise and accurate left boot were tremendously important, especially in the first half, when his fellow Lions struggled to hit targets. Hodge will have good days and bad days but if he keeps delivering performances like his 25-disposal effort against St Kilda, that two-year contract will prove a worthy investment for Brisbane.
Dayne Beams presented Luke Hodge with his Lions jumper before the match. Picture: AFL Photos
3. Entering the post-Riewoldt era
Nick Riewoldt was the mainstay of St Kilda's forward line since he was drafted with the first pick in 2000 and how its attack will shape itself has been a key talking point. There was some questioning about whether it was too tall with Paddy McCartin, Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey, but the Saints scored well on Saturday with 107 points, admittedly against last year's wooden spoon team. McCartin was the biggest presence and often brought the ball to ground at the very least. Membrey overcame some early misses to boot a couple of key goals in the last term and Bruce finished with three for the game.
WATCH: McCartin goals in a solid performance
4. What injury?
Anyone watching St Kilda's final JLT Community Series clash against Melbourne just over a fortnight ago would have struggled back then to think Jack Steven would be available for round one, let alone in this sort of form. It seemed he sustained a serious injury but the diagnosis was a rolled ankle and despite having been restricted at training recently, the triple best and fairest was the match-winner for the Saints. With his side down by two points late in the third term, Steven kicked two goals in the final 90 seconds, including one when he put on the afterburners to sprint past Luke Hodge, to help St Kilda turn the tide and post the victory.
WATCH: The Saints love a fit Jack Steven
5. Brisbane pulled the right rein
On the strength of his debut, it wasn't hard to see why Cameron Rayner was selected with the first pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft. The highlight was a left-foot goal in the third quarter, stepping around a St Kilda player to coolly snap it through on his non-preferred side. Rayner spent the contest up forward and showed his strength in the marking contest on several occasions. He wasn't intimidated by playing at the elite level for the first time either, having a few words to say to the opposition when the occasion called for it, wearing a cheeky grin that will become a common sight in the years to come.
