What a night it was. Geelong opened its account for 2021 with a thrilling one-point win against Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium on Friday.

We reflect on the win in this week’s edition of ‘By The Numbers’ presented by Deakin’s Centre for Sport Research.

07:44

Highlights: Round 2

Watch all the key moments from the Round 2 clash between Geelong and Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium.

Clearance Kings

Geelong dominated the clearance count 45-32 on Friday night and it was captain Joel Selwood who led the way.

The skipper set the tone from the very first bounce for the Cats. He finished with 27 disposals (17 contested), a game-high seven clearances and two goals.

Selwood was well supported by Charlie Constable, Shaun Higgins and Mark O’Connor who each had five clearances apiece.

Neale Kept To Nil

Mark O’Connor added another string to his bow with a brilliant shutdown role on reigning Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.

Usually deployed down back, O’Connor went to Neale at the opening bounce and kept him to just 16 disposals, which is only the sixth time in the past 70 games that the star Lion has had less than 20 disposals in a game.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Lachie Neale of the Lions and Mark O'Connor of the Cats compete for the ball during the round 2 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at GMHBA Stadium on March 26, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

O’Connor’s dominance saw Brisbane coach Chris Fagan start Lachie Neale forward in the third term after Neale was kept statless for the second quarter and without a clearance for the entire first half.

11:07

Chris Scott Post-Match (R2)

Watch Geelong's press conference after round two's match against Brisbane

Home, Sweet Home

How great was it to see AFL football return to GMHBA Stadium in front of our fans for the first time in 581 days.

There may have only been 20,070 supporters in the house, but it felt like a sell-out with the home crowd helping lift the Cats when the Lions threatened to overrun Geelong in the final term.

Geelong’s one-point win maintained its stranglehold over the Lions at Kardinia Park. It’s now 6,538 days since Brisbane last beat the Cats in Geelong.

01:50

Tuohy post-match (R2)

Zach Tuohy speaks after the round two victory.

Tuoh Inclusions Showcase Cats’ Midfield Depth

Heading into the game many would have questioned whether Geelong had the midfield depth to overcome the Lions with Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola sitting in the stands.

Enter Zach Tuohy and Charlie Constable with both players showing their value for the Cats.

Tuohy was a dominant on the night. He was particularly outstanding in the opening half with 18 disposals, two-goals and nearly 500 metres gained in the first two quarters.

Constable showed his ability too with 17 disposals (88.2% efficiency) and three centre clearances, second to only Selwood.