It's hard to know how much the Cats can take out of their big win over Essendon in Shepparton on Saturday.

The Bombers fielded a team that was missing many of their best players, so the final margin of 87 points was not exactly a surprise.

Then there was the searing heat, which reduced the clash to a scrappy affair.

Despite all that, there were many positives to come out of the game for Geelong.

Perhaps the greatest of them was the form of rookie-listed defender Tom Ruggles, who showed poise, class and toughness while amassing 15 disposals and seven marks down back.

You can watch the 23-year-old's post-match interview with CatsTV by clicking on the video player at the top of the page.

The season-ending knee injury suffered by fellow backman Jackson Thurlow during the third quarter means that Ruggles is suddenly in the frame for the Cats' premiership season opener against Hawthorn on Easter Monday.

As Ben Guthrie wrote in AFL.com.au's 'Liked the look of ...' column, Geelong's "coaching staff are big fans of his fierceness at the man and the way he puts his head over the ball in traffic".

There were some great signs in the midfield as well, where Patrick Dangerfield and Mitch Duncan led the way (they recorded the two largest AFL Fantasy scores of the game).

Josh Caddy, Cameron Guthrie and Zac Smith, who has been a revelation in the ruck in his first two games for the Cats, also stood out, while Tom Hawkins and Nathan Vardy combined with great effect in the forward line.

Vardy finished with four goals and looks set for a big season.

WATCH: Cameron Guthrie's post-match interview

READ: Zac Smith loving the Cats' culture

Down back, there was a great mix of youth and experience, with Ruggles and Jake Kolodjashnij providing great support for experienced players Harry Taylor, Tom Lonergan and Lachie Henderson.

Now it's your turn to have a say.

Use the poll below to vote for the player who caught your eye in the victory over the Bombers.