Last Saturday against Fremantle in Perth, Geelong found itself in unfamiliar territory at quarter-time, going to the huddle five goals behind. Geelong had won the first quarter in each of the first seven games for the season, but after last week's blip, the fast-starting Cats returned on Friday night. They kicked just five goals, but had 53 more disposals, eight more contested possessions, 44 more handballs and 47 more handballs received than the Kangaroos to underline their opening-term dominance.
2. Hawkins a hulking presence
In Friday night's first half, the Geelong spearhead simply dominated. Hawkins had 11 disposals, including nine contested possessions, took five marks inside 50 and had six scoring shots. Not only that, but he attacked contests with vigour and brought the ball to ground. With his back problems behind him, the 25-year-old is back in the conversation when it comes to discussions about the game's best forwards. He ended with four goals and created the match-sealer for Mark Blicavs late in the game. With 25 goals already in 2014, Hawkins is on track for his second bag of 50 in a season.
3. Different roles, same result
On the past four occasions North Melbourne has travelled to Simonds Stadium, Geelong skipper Joel Selwood has polled at least two Brownlow votes. With Steve Johnson out suspended, the Cats threw Selwood and Jimmy Bartel different roles on Friday night. Selwood began at half-forward, while Bartel started in the middle. Bartel was fierce in the contest while Selwood managed to kick goals, spoil marking contests and generally get the ball in a teammate's hands inside 50. Bartel added two goals in the last quarter to underline his value. Geelong's dynamic duo was also helped by reliable sidekick James Kelly, who tore the game apart early.
4. The enigmatic Roos
Considering Geelong's record at home and the fact it was on the rebound from a loss, North Melbourne's task was always going to be huge. But yet again, the Roos showed their enigmatic side on Friday night. North's start was again ordinary, with not enough pressure exerted on Geelong in the first quarter, and the Roos were chasing their tails from then on. When North threw caution to the wind late in the game, it gave Geelong a fright. North Melbourne has now alternated wins and losses for the past five weeks, a trend that will be difficult to maintain with a trip to Perth to play West Coast looming next weekend.
5. Friday night lights
Geelong had played 82 Friday night games in its history, but never before at Simonds Stadium. With night football now a year old at the venue, Geelong finally found itself in prime time against North Melbourne, the team that pioneered Friday night football. Pre-game, Geelong's commercial boss, Steve Hocking, urged the fans to fire up in support of the home team. The crowd of 27,402 only occasionally to Hocking's urgings, but attended in enough numbers to show Friday night football has a place at Geelong.
