1. Selwood back in sync
It took the Geelong captain three rounds to get back to somewhere near his best, but this time he did not have to do it all on his own. Riding shotgun with Patrick Dangerfield, who was again best afield, the skipper collected a game-high 35 disposals and 14 clearances. He was as tough and uncompromising as ever, but from the outset it was clear he was moving far better than he has so far this season. The plantar fasciitis problem that dogged Selwood through the pre-season seems to be a thing of the past. With Dangerfield (26 disposals and three goals) in top form and now Selwood up and firing, opposition midfields had better watch out.

Click here for full match coverage and stats

2. Ruggles stakes his claim
When Jackson Thurlow went down with a season-ending knee injury in the NAB Challenge, the question was rightfully raised as to who the Cats would turn to as their preferred small backman. They utilised Cameron Guthrie primarily in that lockdown defensive role in the first two rounds, but gave elevated rookie Tom Ruggles the chance to make the spot his own against the Lions. The 23-year-old, who won the club's VFL best and fairest last season, put in a strong showing in his senior debut. Geelong's coaching staff are huge fans of Ruggles' toughness but the composure he displayed in his first game was also noteworthy. He finished with 17 disposals and nine in a showing that sees him a strong chance to string plenty of games together.

3. The Bell tolls up forward
Josh Schache is a promising tall forward who looks like the answer long-term for the Lions. But with just three games to his name, he is not the solution right now. That is why the powerful build and strong work rate of Tom Bell is so crucial to the Lions. The former Blue was the Lions' best player, flourishing in his quasi centre-half forward role. Bell was the Lions' only real marking option up forward and was particularly influential in the first half. The Lions tried to play on at all costs to allow players like Bell, who stands at just 187cm, every chance to squirt out the back unmanned or have opportunities to compete in one-on-one contests.

4. Former Cats fail to fire
Both Geelong natives and former Cats-listed players, Josh Walker and Allen Christensen, would have been keen to perform well against their old club. But sadly it was not the case, with the pair both quiet. Walker was beaten comprehensively by old hand Harry Taylor and shanked everyone of his set shots. Christensen had just one disposal to half-time and only nine for the game. Christensen left Geelong in difficult circumstances at the end of 2014 and, at least on Sunday evening, did not appear mentally switched on to take the game to his former mates. 

5. Hard nut Robinson oversteps the mark
A frustrated Mitch Robinson lost his cool late in the game against Geelong. Umpire Scott Jeffery reported the tough nut for rough conduct for a heavy hit on Cats skipper Joel Selwood. The pair had had a number of run-ins during the day and it all culminated in a fiery final quarter. The hit certainly drew the ire of Cats teammates Andrew Mackie and Harry Taylor who were quick to run in and support Selwood. It marred another fine performance from Robinson who was one of the Lions' best with 31 disposals.