Geelong pair Mitch Duncan and Luke Dahlhaus believe the Cats can take positives from their round one performance.

Duncan was the Cats’ best performer against the Giants, amassing three goals and 21 disposals in the 32-point loss.

Geelong won the inside 50 and contested possession counts on the night but were unable to capitalise on their forward entries. Meanwhile the Giants grasps theirs, kicking an impressive 17.3 for the game.

“I thought we played reasonably well,” Duncan said post-match.

“I think they kicked eight goals from stoppages, which I think is disappointing from a midfield point of view, four of those from free kicks.”

“You take a few of those away and it brings us right back into the game.”

Dahlhaus was of a similar opinion.

“I think around the contest we were really good and our contested ball (count) was up,” Dahlhaus said speaking to K Rock Football.

“We got some real deep entries into some dangerous forwards.

“I think it was in our forward half for a long period and we just didn’t convert - Unfortunately that happens sometimes in footy.”

The AFL season may be on pause for now, but Dahlhaus believes the shortened quarters should stay when football eventually returns.

“I’d definitely be up for it (permanently), you get better quality footy and better ball use.”

“You just feel a lot fresher, so I think for us and the viewers it’s not a bad idea.”

Dahlhaus believes the shortened quarters could aid the Cats on field too.

“I think it worked really well for our team,” Dahlhaus told.

“We are a pretty strong inside contested team and the more break and the less the quarters, I think that helps because when we do get back on the ground we are a lot more powerful around the contest and powerful with ball in hand.

“I reckon it works to our advantage.

“I definitely felt like I had a bit more in the tank when it finished and I knew a few of the boys were the same.”