1.'Meatball' subs in
When you think about the players who might lead St Kilda in goal kicking, Darren Minchington doesn't immediately spring to mind. But that was the case on Saturday night, as 'Meatball' booted a career-high three goals against Geelong. The small forward, who started his career on St Kilda's rookie list, has had an inconsistent run during his career and has been in and out of the side on a regular basis. Coach Alan Richardson is a big fan of the pressure Minchington applies, and if he can start contributing on the scoreboard more frequently then he adds to a talented small forward mix that includes Jade Gresham, the injured Jack Billings, Jack Lonie and Jack Sinclair.
2. Geelong finds its groove, but too little too late
Geelong was not playing like the team that sits on top of the ladder in the first half. The Cats fumbled, they didn't chase and they made uncharacteristic errors like they were going out of fashion. But it would not last, as Geelong flicked the switch at the start of the third term. The Cats booted six goals in just 12 minutes to roar back into the contest. Lincoln McCarthy shook off an ankle issue suffered earlier in the game, to boot three goals in the quarter (his career-high). Despite their efforts, the Saints steadied, with two goals to Maverick Weller late in the term giving them an 11-point lead at three-quarter time. The Saints then held on remarkably well to inflict the Cats' fourth loss of the season.
3. Stanley needs to start delivering
There is no doubt Rhys Stanley has been an important acquisition for Geelong since being traded at the end of the 2014 season. The Cats parted with pick No.21 in the draft for the athletic big man as they addressed a significant deficiency on their list. Now fit after a 2015 season interrupted by a serious foot injury, Stanley has provided good support for Zac Smith in the ruck. In the prime of his career Stanley, who is blessed with all the physical attributes, must start delivering on a consistent basis. The 25-year-old had a serviceable game as he played against his old side for the first time with 18 disposals, 13 hit-outs and seven marks, but to take his game to a new level Stanley needs to eliminate costly skill errors and take the easy option when it's on. His role is crucial for the Cats going forward.
4. Motlop joins an unwanted club
Cats Premiership captain Cameron Ling cops a fair ribbing for his missed goal in the goal square against Essendon in 2000. But he can now welcome another famous alumni to the club after Steven Motlop's miss from point blank range. A disastrous turnover back into St Kilda's back half should have ended up in an easy goal for the Cats as Daniel Menzel handballed over the top to Motlop in the goal square. All it took was a shepherd from Kersten to keep Nick Riewoldt out of the play and it was a certain goal. But Motlop shanked his kick into the right post to ensure he joined Ling in folklore.
5.Dangerfield's Brownlow in doubt?
Patrick Dangerfield is the near unanimous choice to win this year's Brownlow medal after a stellar season in his first year at Geelong. But an incident against the Saints where his knee made contact with Jarryn Geary's head could put that in jeopardy. From the vision, Dangerfield appears to make minimal contact, but it will certainly be looked at by the Match Review Panel.
