1. Hawks now have the Cats' measure
Hawthorn versus Geelong is renowned as one of the AFL's great modern-day rivalries. The Cats' famous dominant streak, in which they won 11 straight games over the brown and gold between 2009 and 2013, feels a lifetime ago. Hawthorn's 36-point win on Saturday night was its fourth win in a row over the Cats. Every time the Geelong pressed - they pegged the margin back to nine points at the 10-minute mark of the third quarter - the Hawks responded. Crucial misses in front of goal from the Cats – two from Josh Walker and one from Nakia Cockatoo – snuffed out any chance of a late rally. The Hawks' scoring power was too much for the Cats to overcome, as Cyril Rioli bagged six goals in a vintage performance, the equal best of his career.
2. A magician at work
Steve Johnson has made a career of doing the unthinkable. So it seemed fitting that he would produce a few more memorable moments to add to the collection. In typical Johnson style, his first goal came from a 'J-curve' snap on his left boot deep in the forward pocket. He followed that up by darting away from his opponent, ignoring a wide open Darcy Lang, and slotting his second with a classy snap on the run. It was one of Johnson's best games for the season, coming after a one-week layoff due to suspension, and added to his fine record of producing clutch performances against Hawthorn. Johnson finished the night with 23 disposals, five inside 50s and two goals to show once again why fans are first in line for tickets to the 'Stevie J' show. The question remains as to whether it will be enough for the Cats to offer him a new contract.
3. Hodge masterclass sets up Hawks' win
Luke Hodge started the game like a house on fire, kicking three goals to power the rampant Hawks to a 24-point quarter time lead. There were two set-shot goals that he slotted without any bother, but it was his goal tucked up against the boundary line that will surely earn him a place in AFL.com.au's weekly highlights segment – The 10. Sprinting at top pace in the 'Buddy Pocket', Hodge drilled the ball low and allowed the ball to curve straight through the middle of the big sticks. The three-goal first term was the second time he had achieved the feat this year - he did the same in round 15 game against Fremantle. He added one more major in the final quarter to end the night with 24 disposals and sat just behind Rioli as the Hawks' best player on the night.
4. Hawks soar, Cats in danger
Hawthorn's chances of winning a third-straight premiership received a major boost as it closed in on securing its place in the top-two. With Fremantle favoured to beat West Coast in Sunday's derby, the Hawks could finish round 20 in second spot. If that is the case, it will be difficult for the Eagles to track them down with three likely brown and gold wins against Port Adelaide, the Brisbane Lions and Carlton. The Cats, on the other hand, are on shaky ground. They slip outside the eight and face a tough task of dislodging Adelaide for a finals spot. The round 23 showdown at Simonds Stadium could well decide both teams' finals fate.
5. Puopolo's near mark of the year
It was always going to take something special to beat Nic Naitanui in the race for this year's mark of the year. But Paul Puopolo almost accomplished that feat. Puopolo launched himself above a pack in the third quarter, getting the extra ride off the back of his teammate but just failing to complete the mark at the second attempt. Naitanui's high-flying grab also came against Geelong, in round nine, when he skied over Mark Blicavs. The competition is running out of time to beat the high-flying Eagle for the prestigious award.
