1. Swans set up mouthwatering Grand Final rematch
The Swans appear to have righted the ship after some early season wobbles where they lost consecutive games to Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs. Last year's grand finalists followed up their big win over Melbourne the previous week with a dominant second half to blow away Geelong. The home side kicked 10 goals to two after half-time to move to a 5-2 win-loss record and will face last year's premiers next Saturday at the MCG full of confidence thanks to a midfield that is full of run, a tight defence and a forward line which has Lance Franklin in good touch alongside a strong supporting cast.
2. Worries for Cats as injuries mount
A concerning sight for Geelong fans was that of Mitch Duncan on the bench at three-quarter time with crutches in his hands and a protective boot over his right foot. The versatile 23-year-old was hurt in a contest for the footy in the third quarter with Jarrad McVeigh and went straight to the rooms. Duncan returned to the field shortly afterwards but only got as far as the boundary line before it became clear he would not be able to take any further part in the match and was substituted. His departure brought on former Demon Sam Blease for his first game in Geelong colours. Duncan's injury headlined a bad night for the Cats, who also lost Tom Hawkins to a glute injury prior to the match.
3. Franklin gets on the board early
Having ended last week's win over Melbourne goalless, the Swans spearhead was looking to avoid consecutive games without a major for the first time since rounds five and six in 2013, when he was still with Hawthorn. The 28-year-old did not have to wait long, kicking truly from long range at the 15-minute mark of the opening term. Although Cats defender Tom Lonergan battled hard throughout the contest, Franklin got better as the night went on and finished with 4.5, lifting his season total to 20.
4. McGlynn blankets Cats skipper
The contest between Swans midfielder Ben McGlynn and Geelong captain Joel Selwood was one to keep an eye on all evening. The pair was rarely separated, with McGlynn taking the early honours as Selwood had just two touches in the opening term. However, the star Cat managed to break free in the second term, kicking a goal from a free kick and gathering eight possessions. McGlynn's close attention and hard work meant the Cats skipper was unable to have his usual damaging impact on the match and had his colours lowered for one of the few times in his great career.
5. Jarrad McVeigh celebrates 250th with a win
While the Swans were able to mark Jarrad McVeigh’s 250th AFL game in style on Saturday night, the occasion would have been one to celebrate regardless of the result. The durable defender and premiership player is the seventh Swan to reach the significant milestone and is one of the finest players NSW has ever produced, having played his junior footy on the Central Coast and later at Pennant Hills in Sydney’s north west alongside current teammate and Swans co-captain Kieren Jack. McVeigh had 26 touches and a goal and was one of the Swans' better players on the night.
