1. Rampe is in All Australian form
Swans defender Dane Rampe was simply outstanding against the Cats on Friday night. The rebounding defender was best afield in an engrossing contest at Simonds Stadium. Rampe gathered 23 disposals at 91.3 per cent efficiency and was near impassable across half-back, showing dare to come off his man and making sharp decisions with ball in hand. Rampe has continued to go from strength to strength and the 26-year-old is a genuine All Australian contender after a consistent season in one of the AFL's best teams. Rampe, who is almost averaging 18 disposals per game, is dependable and he's versatile – two crucial traits of a top line defender.
2. Jack all heart
In a tough week for Kieren Jack, the Swans co-captain starred in his 200th game. The gun midfielder opened the scoring with a brilliant snap across his body as a pumped up Swans team came out breathing fire. The emotion of the week and Jack's triumphant celebration brought his girlfriend, Charlotte Goodlet, to tears in the stands. In what should have been a week to celebrate his milestone, Jack was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after a bitter family dispute became public. Jack's mum Donna posted on social media she was upset that her son did not want her or Kieren's father, rugby league great, Garry at the game. Jack had 24 disposals and kicked three goals as he inspired the Swans to a momentous victory - their best of the season.
3. Is Clark the answer for the Cats?
Geelong clearly thought Mitch Clark was the missing piece in their forward line, and he still might be. But the key forward's efforts on Friday night were suggestive of a player who hadn't played at AFL level since round nine last season. Clark was soundly beaten by Allir Allir and clearly struggled to find the pace of the game, registering 10 disposals and no goals. However, the power forward, who has kicked 111 goals in his 105-game career, is still worth persisting with as he tries to reignite his career. The key forward had kicked 10 goals at VFL level prior to coming back into the Cats' team after a thorough rehab on the troublesome calf, highlighting how dangerous he can be up forward. With Shane Kersten and Rhys Stanley back in the VFL, the question is: How long do the Cats give Clark to stamp himself as a best 22 player? The next month will provide a clearer picture.
Aliir Aliir did a great job of stopping the Cats' key forwatrds. Picture: AFL Media
4. Franklin breaks his duck
Swans spearhead Lance Franklin had never played an AFL game at Simonds Stadium before Friday night. The former Hawk has faced the Cats 18 times during his career – 13 matches at the MCG, twice at Etihad Stadium and once each at the SCG, ANZ Stadium and Aurora Stadium. In his time at Hawthorn and the Swans he has been scheduled to play just twice at Kardinia Park, but missed both games — one in 2006 and one last year — with injuries. However, Franklin not gracing Kardinia Park at any time during his career is not completely true. The big Swan actually kicked the winning goal for Western Australia against Vic Metro in the 2004 Under-18 Championships. Franklin renewed hostilities with Tom Lonergan and kicked one goal from 15 disposals in what was an even battle all night.
5. Stop Henderson, stop Geelong?
Swans coach John Longmire sprung a huge surprise by starting defensive stalwart Ted Richards at full forward. The premiership defender had a specific role - to quell Lachie Henderson's influence on the contest - and it worked in the Swans' favour. Richards, who had not played at senior level since round nine after working his way back from concussion, engaged Henderson in the air which, most of the time, did not allow the agile defender to sag off and help Tom Lonergan and Harry Taylor in their respective one-on-one battles. Henderson had been in stellar form leading into Friday night and has been a big reason for the Cats' defensive success this season, but the Swans and the wily Richards may have shown other teams the blueprint in breaking down the Cats' miserly defence.
