1. Plucky Bombers
Most punters had predicted a Geelong blowout at the MCG but the Bombers surprised 42,723 fans on Saturday with a competitive three-quarter effort. The football certainly wasn't pretty but the showing from the Bombers would most definitely have heartened Dons fans. Zach Merrett has relished the step up in responsibility this year and the young midfielder had another great game, amassing 29 disposals, three clearances and kicking a goal, to go with his team-high eight tackles. The Cats were a far cry from the polished side that defeated premiers Hawthorn in round one. Despite boasting a powerhouse midfield of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood, the Cats found themselves down in contested possession (86-110) and clearances (17-32) at three-quarter time. They managed to turn the tide in the final term but their scrappy performance would not have impressed coach Chris Scott despite getting the four points.
2. Scoring woes
Coming into this game, Geelong had averaged 105 points per game. But against the Bombers, the Cats struggled to impact the scoreboard. Chris Scott's men were inaccurate kicking 9.18 and a couple to not even trouble the scorers. Daniel Menzel was the worst culprit with five behinds for the day, four of those from set shots. By the end of the game, his confidence in front of goal looked completely shot and he'll need to work on that during the week.
3. Cat flies high
Geelong ruckman Zac Smith provided one of the highlights of the game when he flew high in the opening term to take a spectacular pack mark in the Cats' attacking 50. Smith was towards the back of the five-man pack, which included Essendon big man Matthew Leuenberger, when he launched himself at the ball. He brought down the massive mark, but unfortunately couldn't convert, kicking a behind. But it was a terrific grab nonetheless and will no doubt be a contender for mark of the round.
4. Bringing the country to the city
Saturday's clash was the inaugural 'Country Game' between these two clubs. It was a concept designed and developed by coaching legend Kevin Sheedy, and it's set to continue with Powercor signing on as a major sponsor of the marquee game for four years. Fans were treated to a range of farmer's market food and fresh produce outside the MCG, while John Williamson performed his classic, 'True Blue'. The CFA volunteers were also honoured for their hard work, with a lap around the 'G before the game. Bombers Chairman Lindsay Tanner said the clash was about "celebrating the things that make country people and the country communities distinctive and acknowledging their unique contribution to our great game".
5. Ex-Cats face their former teammates for the first time
The build up to this game for ex-Cats Mathew Stokes and James Kelly would have been nothing like they've ever experienced. During the week, Scott acknowledged the premiership pair and said they would always be respected by the club. And that rang true at the MCG. Neither player was booed or jeered by Geelong fans, and their former teammates certainly didn't dish out any special treatment. The experienced heads of Kelly and Stokes help to guide the young Bombers in their plucky loss and had 22 disposals apiece. Their pressure was fantastic with 10 tackles between them, while Stokes also had four clearances and kicked a very timely goal in the third term to give the Bombers a one-point edge at the 16-minute mark.
