THINGS WE LEARNT

No.1

IRISHMAN Padraig Lucey had a baptism of fire on debut for the Cats. Back home his friends are shivering through icy cold winters, yesterday temperatures were in the mid-30s with humidity pushing 60 per cent. His first official game involvement cost the Cats a goal after he infringed in a ruck contest.

No.2

STOPPAGE work is again an area for improvement for Geelong. The Cats were among the worst in the competition last season for clearances and yesterday it remained a point of weakness, especially in a one-sided second quarter. It prompted captain Joel Selwood to voice his frustrations from the couch 2600km away on Twitter: “Smashed around stoppages and contest that quarter. Ball use in these conditions are extremely tough but still missing targets we should hit”.

No.3

FOR all the talk about Geelong’s lack of leg speed in the wake of Travis Varcoe and Allen Christensen’s departures, the Cats showed they’ll have a few slick movers this season. Draftees Nakia Cockatoo and Cory Gregson have leg speed and Sam Blease, who was picked up from Melbourne, is also keen to get amongst it.

No. 4

OF all the players on Geelong’s list, Michael Luxford could comfortably walk down the street and not get noticed. The former national underage basketballer is into his second season at the Cats as a Category B rookie. His return of seven possessions and three marks was enough to please the Cats.