1. The Kennett Curse lives on
Geelong's dominance over the Hawks since the 2008 Grand Final is legendary. The Cats had won 10 straight games against the Hawks, ever since then Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett famously questioned the Cats' mental drive. The streak had become as famous as WWE wrestler The Undertaker's 21-0 record at Wrestlemania. And amazingly it continued at the MCG on Saturday night. Hawthorn threw everything at the Cats, kicking six goals in a rush in the final term. But the Cats held firm making it 11 straight wins over the Hawks in the sweetest of ways.
2. Slammin' Sammy
Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell was close to the game's most influential player. The former Hawks captain ran riot in the first half with 23 disposals to half time, before taking his tally to 37 disposals at the final siren. However, he could face the wrath of the Match Review panel after collecting Geelong tagger Taylor Hunt with a high jab in the first quarter of their clash at the MCG. Mitchell and Hunt were engaged in a centre square tussle, before Mitchell swung around and appeared to connect with Hunt high on the chin. The young Cat slumped to the ground and earned a free kick for his troubles.
3. Cyril cools his heels
Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli was the Hawks' starting substitute for just the second time in his career, the other occasion being in round 23, 2012 against West Coast. Rioli had not played since suffering a high-grade hamstring tear against North Melbourne in round five. He came on at the seven minute mark of the third quarter to rapturous applause from Hawks fans. The maestro did not have a major impact on the game, but looked dangerous every time he went near the footy. Rioli finished with nine disposals in a little less than a half of football.
4. Operation stop Jimmy
Jimmy Bartel thrives in clashes against Hawthorn. That trend looked like continuing, with Bartel having an 11-disposal first-quarter picnic. But Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson decided enough was enough and sent Jordan Lewis to the Geelong star to try to curb his influence. The move worked as Bartel collected just nine more touches for the game. But as is Geelong's way, up stepped Corey Enright and Andrew Mackie. Enright, in particular, provided crucial rebound through the central channels for the Cats.
5. The interchange infringement
It was a monumental stuff up. With the Hawks on the march in the final quarter, the interchange steward produced the orange flag to signal an interchange infringement on Cats defender Josh Hunt. Hawks ruckman David Hale went forward with the 50m penalty and kicked the resultant goal. Later, it was suggested by Channel 7 commentator Cameron Ling that the call had been made correctly, with the Cats protesting that they had three players on the interchange bench at the time.
