1. The immaculate foot skills of Lewis Jetta and Shannon Hurn were again a weapon for the Eagles, making strong gains in metres covered with the ball in their hands. Hurn propelled the ball 488 metres to the good with his 24-possession and 10-mark effort, while Jetta gained 612 metres from 19 possessions and five marks. The opportunities they create to rebound out of the defensive half positively are important aspects of the Eagles potency.
2. Andrew Gaff continues to produce as one of the Eagles' most consistent players and while he is viewed by many as an outside player, he mixed it in the clinches against the Tigers with 16 of his 28 touches in the contest. He won the ball away at six clearances and gained 520 metres through his possessions and carry and was again a valuable link in the transition from defence to attack.
3. The start by the Eagles was exceptional with a seven-goal opening term and central to that salvo was the performance of Jack Darling, who kicked two goals early in the game. The first he spoiled the ball near the goal line, followed up and converted and the second was a free kick from a ruck contest when he was grabbed high. Unfortunately he was a victim of his own courage when flying into a contest with the flight of the ball late in the quarter. He received a heavy knock which seemed to impede his mobility thereafter.
4. The return of Jamie Cripps in the last couple of weeks from a groin strain has been important. He works so hard up and down the ground providing an outlet from defence but also is a critical scoring option. He kicked three goals against the Tigers to be the Eagles' most efficient forward.
5. Young defender Josh Rotham appreciated another opportunity at the elite level and again showed his capacity to handle the big occasion. Two of his three senior games have been at the MCG – he made his debut against Collingwood early in the season – and certainly was not overawed. He took seven marks and had 13 disposals, holding up at times when the Eagles defence was under siege, with the visitors conceding the inside 50 count 44 to 62.
