Steven Motlop puts the pedal to the metal as he runs forward during the last quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun
THE Geelong-Hawthorn rivalry is one for the ages, but yesterday's match taught us more than just that Kennett's curse continues.
1. Cats are now quick
Geelong used to make up for the relatively slow legs of stars such as Jimmy Bartel, Paul Chapman and Corey Enright with quick minds. The new breed of Cats – Steven Motlop, Allen Christensen, Travis Varcoe and Jordan Murdoch among others – are flatout fast.
2. Hawks look under-done
Hawthorn has probably had the most injury interrupted pre-season of any team and it showed in the second half yesterday. Too often, the Cats had multiple players overlapping, exposing the Hawks' lack of run. It will be interesting to see if the Hawks' late game fitness improves through the year or if it becomes an Achilles' heel.
3. Brad Hill can play
The livewire small forward was the Hawks' best player in the first quarter and a half, having a hand in at least four goals. He looks to have cemented a place in the best 22. Hill was subbed off but looks a great addition for the Hawks – and SuperCoaches who snared the $152,000 midfield bargain.
Geelong have continued their recent dominance over Hawthorn with a thrilling seven-point victory at the MCG.
4. Cats' ruck problems may be over-stated
Geelong's Trent West and debutant Mark Blicavs were done over by their Hawks opponents in the first half, as the brown and gold midfield dominated the centre clearances. But by the end of the game, Blicavs shows enough endeavour around the ground to indicate he has a future at this level.
5. The Hawks need Plan B going into attack
Too often Hawthorn's midfield kicked long and high to their tall forwards. Against Harry Taylor and Co – who are so good at reading the play - that was never going to be a recipe for long-term success. Pack marks aren't Lance Franklin's strong suit and, aside from a two-goal second term, Buddy had a dirty day. Jarryd Roughead, meanwhile, was rarely sighted until the final term.
6. Harry Taylor still has the best pair of hands in the game
See above. If one AFL player had to take a contested grab for your life, who would you choose? My vote goes to Taylor.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson concedes the Hawks ran out of gas in their loss to Geelong.
What did we miss? Have your say below.
7. AFL is blessed with leaders
On Saturday night, Gary Ablett set a high bar for what it means to lead from the front, but Joel Selwood did his best to clear it in the third term. Selwood had a hand in several Cats goals with the highlight coming when he tackled Shane Savage, ripped the ball away and started a chain of handballs that led to a Mitch Duncan goal. Meanwhile, Sam Mitchell did everything he could to try to will the Hawks over the line, collecting a game-high 37 touches.
8. Clarkson is praying for Lake's health
The big question after the Hawks' traded for Brian Lake was would the former Dogs' body hold up through the season? He was a late withdrawal yesterday and the longer the game went, the more Alastair Clarkson needed his sure pair of hands against the Cats' key forwards.
Joel Selwood escapes from the centre clearance with the footy during the third quarter. Picture: Michael Klein
9. Varcoe experiment needs more work
One of the big changes for Geelong this year is meant to be Travis Varcoe's re-invention from a half-forward to a half-back sweeper. In the first half yesterday, he looked lost at times defensively and struggled with decision making. He played forward more in the second half.
10. It's probably time for Kennett to keep quiet
He was a great president for Hawthorn, and the game as a whole (especially us in the media). But this constant commentary from the sidelines – including last night's ridiculous call for Clarkson to step down at the end of the year - is doing no favours for the club he claims to love.
Mark Blicavs, Jared Rivers and Josh Caddy - all making their debut for the Cats - celebrate in the rooms after winning the round one match. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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