1. The ruck tactics were intriguing, particularly after half-time. Nic Naitanui had wielded a strong influence on the game and in conjunction with Oscar Allen held sway against Brodie Grundy and Darcy Cameron. The Pies were keen to get more of Grundy against Allen, so started him on the bench for both the opening of third and final quarters. The momentum shifts seemed to go with the influence of the two primary ruckmen, but Allen was still an important player for the Eagles and was far from exposed in the ruck contests. He finished his game with two important goals and contributed strongly around the ground.
2. The three players who missed the 2018 grand final through injury or suspension were all outstanding for the Eagles. Naitanui, Andrew Gaff and Brad Sheppard will doubtless figure prominently in Club Champion voting both in this game and throughout the season, with all three among the best half dozen players for their team. Naitanui was his usual bullocking best, Gaff was the team’s highest possession winner and worked hard both ways while Sheppard had the task on the dangerous Jordan De Goey and won the points in that battle. De Goey kicked two goals and one was a critical snap under pressure, but Sheppard had the better of the battle.
3. It’s not often that the Eagles lose with strong contributions coming from their key forwards, but the efforts of Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling were not enough to lift their team over the line. Kennedy and Darling kicked six goals between them and took a total of seven marks inside the forward 50 to be a strong presence throughout. Throw in two goals from Allen and the Eagles tall targets gave the home side every opportunity to advance.
4. One of the highlights of the season has been the emergence of Liam Duggan as a consistent top level player – whether that be in defence or when elevated into the midfield at the height of the club’s injury crisis. He was again outstanding in this game, with 20 possessions and five marks and used the ball with great efficiency. It will be intriguing to see where the match committee opts to deploy him in 2021, given his clear value in both roles and his elevation as a genuine ‘A-Grade’ player.
5. Shannon Hurn, premiership captain in 2018, demonstrated once again that there are a few kilometres left in those powerful legs. The veteran enjoyed another strong and consistent season, particularly in the last half of the year, and will no doubt look to continue into 2021. The affable defender is on line to break the club’s games played record as he finishes this year on 286 matches – four behind champion ruckman Dean Cox – and looms as the club’s first 300-game player. He had 17 touches and took six marks in a quality performance.
