Without too much fanfare, Geelong heads into the bye boasting a 10-1 record, with its only defeat to date a one-goal loss to Collingwood in round eight. Six of its 11 remaining games are at home, plus an MCG clash with Hawthorn and an Etihad Stadium game against North Melbourne. The Cats could not be better placed for a top-four finish and an assault on another premiership to add to those won in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
2. Half-time heroes
Despite some heavy losses during its season-and-a-half in the AFL, GWS has proven incredibly competitive against Geelong – for a half at least. In round 10 last year, the teams were locked at 7.3 (45) at half-time before the Cats ran out 65-point victors at Simonds Stadium. On Saturday, the Giants trailed by just two points before a 29th-minute goal from Josh Hunt gave Geelong an eight-point lead at the main break. Again the Cats asserted their authority, particularly in the final term, but the young Giants know they can match the mighty Cats for periods of games.
3. Scott spray shocks the Cats
Already well known for his animated displays in the coach's box, Chris Scott would have been stewing in his own juices during his side's limp two-goal first quarter. With arms flailing and eyes wide, Scott ripped into his side in the quarter-time huddle, demanding they break out of their slump and put in the necessary effort. It worked, with the Cats kicking eight goals in the second quarter before easing to a 59-point win.
4. If you build it, they will come – gradually
GWS' two previous appearances at Skoda Stadium attracted 5830 and 6324 fans for games against Adelaide and West Coast respectively. "While we'd obviously like to draw bigger crowds here to Skoda Stadium, we're confident in time this will happen," GWS chairman Tony Shepherd said before Saturday's game. "We have a world-class venue and the club continues to grow and we will see support for the Giants grow." Boosted by some guests of the Giants' 'Tribute to Farmers' function, the crowd of 7809 was another small step forward in western Sydney.
5. Jeremy Cameron, you star
Cameron's exploits are well known, but the 20-year-old added some new highlights to his growing collection on Saturday afternoon. Snaps from outside 50m on the run, high marks, roving efforts off the ground, there is very little the young key forward can't do. With four goals against Geelong, he now has 31 for the season from his few opportunities and is proving every week he could be a once-in-a-generation talent.
