1. The classic Hawthorn v Geelong era is over
It has been one of the greatest rivalries the game has ever seen but the period of brilliance officially ended on Easter Monday, 2017. The supporters' mix of disdain and respect for each other will not end but this lacklustre affair means we are in for a lull in the number of classic encounters between the two teams. For the record, between the 2008 Grand Final and Monday's game, 11 of the 19 games were decided by 10 points or less, with three of those games decided by a kick after the siren. This game was marred by poor disposal, inaccurate kicking and lacked atmosphere as supporters realistically appraised their club's current form. However, 11 goals straight in the last quarter gave the Cats an 86-point win, the Cats' equal fourth-biggest win against Hawthorn and the biggest margin between the two teams since round 10, 1949.
2. Hawthorn's skills and hunger have gone missing
The most notable aspect of the first quarter was Hawthorn's inability to hit a target. The famed foot skills that led the Hawks to three successive flags deserted them, with kicks missing their targets and handballs either hitting the ground or flying high and wide out of reach. Repeat offender Billy Hartung's kick inside 50 that turned the ball over and allowed Geelong to move the ball from end to end for Mitch Duncan to goal was the best example in the early stages as the Hawks went at 57 per cent efficiency by foot. Unfortunately for Alastair Clarkson, a few other Bruce Springsteen songs such as 'Glory Days', 'Hungry Heart' and 'Dancing in the Dark' than the one he referenced in his pre-game media appearance seem more applicable to the 2017 Hawks.
3. Mitch Duncan has bounced back
The midfielder is one player Cats fans have been praying could return to the sort of form he displayed early in 2015 before he hurt his foot. Who knows what impact the heavy tackle from Giants ruckman Shane Mumford in round two last season had on his 2016, but after the first four games in 2017, the indication is that he is back. He was the most influential player on the ground in the first quarter with 13 disposals and a goal. His classy goal to open the last quarter showed the damage he can do when he is confident and in form.
4. What is ailing Cyril Rioli?
If anyone needed to lift to get the Hawks out of their slump it was the four-time premiership star who has had just 34 disposals in the first three games. However at quarter-time on Easter Monday the champion had just one kick and two tackles next to his name. The familiar spark of energy he created whenever he went near the ball is missing and defenders seemed less panicked when he enters their vision. Everyone is entitled to a slump and maybe this is it but the Hawks need him and 11 disposals and five tackles is not representative of his talent.
5. Josh Gibson will be OK but James Parsons will be nervous
The veteran defender chose to bump Geelong defender Tom Ruggles in the second quarter and the pair clashed heads. Ruggles came off the worse for wear and left the ground concussed. However Gibson should be in the clear as he was within five metres, did not use excessive force and did not leave the ground with the Match Review Panel now having more discretion to clear a player if a head clash occurs. Cat James Parsons will be nervous after collecting Luke Hodge with an elbow to the head early in the last quarter when the Hawks skipper changed direction. Sam Menegola's tackle on Hodge late in the third quarter will also be assessed after the champ was slung into the centre circle. Parsons and Menegola were both reported.
