1. Captain Cotchin delivers
The Tigers have a woeful record without Brett Deledio – 1-8 before tonight's win – and captain Trent Cotchin was on a one-man mission to ensure the bad trend didn't continue. He had 12 disposals in the first quarter, finished with 37 for the night and was the catalyst for the easy victory. You name it, Cotchin did it. He intercepted a Mitch Robinson pass in the defensive 50 before snapping truly on the left foot, and then further tortured the former Blue in the second quarter by using him as a stepladder for a high-flying chest mark. It was a sublime performance and Cotchin at his brilliant best.
Hardwick praises Cotchin and even performance from Tigers
2. Jumping Jack and Big Ben look the goods up front
If the Tigers were looking for more avenues to goal than Jack Riewoldt, they got it. In all they had 12 goalkickers and looked a multi-dimensional forward line capable of kicking a good score. Riewoldt himself was superb, working hard all over the ground to finish with 12 disposals and four goals. Big forward foil Ben Griffiths was just as important. Now in his sixth season, the 200cm Griffiths looks to have gone to another level in 2015. His numbers were terrific - 19 disposals, 2.2 and a team-high 10 marks, but more importantly he took the heat off Jumping Jack.
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3. Lions' intensity improves, but disposal doesn't
After being humiliated by North Melbourne last Sunday, the Lions were called out by acting skipper Dayne Zorko for not carrying out instructions or playing their role for the team. In the effort department, they responded. In all major categories they were competitive, narrowly losing the contested possessions (153-148), clearances (39-37) and tackles (58-57). But it was their disposal and decision-making that had coach Justin Leppitsch and the 22,441 fans shaking their head. At times it was abysmal. From the moment Allen Christensen missed a set shot early in the first quarter from 20m out, things went downhill.
4. The tale of two comebacks
Chris Knights and Brent Staker were the feel-good stories coming into the game, both overcoming long-term injuries to play their first senior games since 2013. However, the fairytales turned to nightmares, as both had evenings they'd rather forget. After kicking a goal early in the second quarter, Knights was a sorry sight as he limped from the Gabba later that term, assisted by trainers before having his right leg heavily attended to. Thankfully it was a hamstring injury and not the knee that kept him out of the game for so long, but he was subbed out immediately. Staker stayed on the ground, but struggled to get involved, finishing with just four disposals. No doubt he'll be better for the run, but it was a rough first night back for the 30-year-old forward.
5. Beams' best game in Brisbane
After his high-profile switch from Collingwood in the off-season, Dayne Beams has had a mixed start in Lions colours, but showed something close to his best against the Tigers. The classy onballer was tireless all night, finishing with 35 disposals – 20 of them contested – along with 11 clearances and six tackles. Once Tom Rockliff returns from his broken ribs and punctured lungs, it might allow Beams to get on the outside a little more, but in the meantime, he's learning to thrive close in to the contest.
Trent Cotchin was a clear best-on-ground for the Tigers. Picture: AFL Media
