1. There is a theory that players in their fourth year in the AFL system begin to impose themselves and have a serious impact. In the opening game of his fourth season at the elite level, Oscar Allen provided early support for the prognosis with a career-best four goal haul. When the Eagles kicked three goals in the opening four minutes of the contest, he kicked two of them and when the game was tight in the last term, he kicked the goal that put the Eagles in front after another strong contested mark.

2. While Allen was a shining light he was not the only avenue to goal and in conjunction with Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling caused headaches for the under-sized Gold Coast defence. Darling and Kennedy each kicked two goals as well, making the most of good supply, particularly with quality forward 50 entries in the first and final terms. The Eagles took 14 marks inside the attacking arc, with Allen, Kennedy and Darling pulling down eight of them – proportionate to their goal-kicking feats.

3. The class of Tim Kelly was an important factor through the midfield, especially in the absence of captain Luke Shuey and Elliott Yeo, who have won four John Worsfold Medals between them. Kelly was silky with his ball use, but also read the ball off hands with authority. Aside from the impressive raw statistics of 19 kicks, nine handballs and seven marks, he also had the most score involvements (13) of any player on the ground. In conjunction with Dom Sheed, who was best afield, he ensured a steady stream of opportunities for the Eagles’ forwards.

4. Experienced defenders Shannon Hurn, Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern again excelled, Hurn producing a 31-possession game from half-back. His penetration from the defensive zone was important and in conjunction with Tom Cole and Brad Sheppard provided a neat mix of defence and offensive rebound. In the air – as Eagles fans have grown accustomed – Barrass and McGovern were supreme. Barrass dragged down 13 marks while McGovern snared seven. Hurn, Cole, Barrass and McGovern all claimed three intercept marks.

5. While the senior players led the way, there were also some encouraging signs by those still trying to secure a permanent place in the team. Young midfielder Xavier O’Neill did all that was asked of him with 18 possessions while Zac Langdon, in his club debut, finished with 12 possessions and six marks having greater impact the longer the game progressed.