1. The first half produced by the Eagles was ruthless, methodical and precise. The execution of the game plan was near flawless as they set themselves for a big performance against one of the competition’s 2020 preliminary finalists. Port have many strengths, across every line, but the Eagles found a way to both negate the opposition’s key assets, but also were on the offensive from the start. They were clean and efficient around the stoppages and won a key stat – the contested possession count – by 152 to 135.

2. The ruck work of Nic Naitanui was something to behold. His connection with the midfielders, especially Luke Shuey in that dynamic first half, was mesmerising. The athletic big man mixes deft touch with ruthless aggression around the contests and has continued on from last season when he won the John Worsfold Medal. While Naitanui had support from Oscar Allen he was largely responsible for a 19-10 centre clearance advantage, so often directing the ball brilliantly into the hands of one of his ground level lieutenants.

3. In the corresponding match on the Gold Coast last year, Port Adelaide dictated terms and won by 48 points, Charlie Dixon was a central figure in that performance with six goals. In this match Dixon remained the major target up forward, but Tom Barrass won that head-to-head battle. With Jeremy McGovern also choosing the right moment to fly as well, they limited Dixon to one goal. Last year McGovern was an absentee after earning a suspension the previous week against Gold Coast.

4. Much has changed in 12 months, and not just results of the last two home games. When in a hub last season, the Eagles were outplayed by Port and Gold Coast and the peripheral players could force their way into the team only on the back of “scrimmage”. The organised practice games were cobbled together and was the best that could be arranged. This year the WAFL Eagles are back in action and form at that level saw Jarrod Brander and Jack Petruccelle earn promotion. Brander in particular was a strong contributor with a brilliant goal in the second term and 481 metres gained for the team – second only to Shannon Hurn.

5. Traditionally the Easter weekend struggles to draw a crowd for home matches in Perth. While many urban dwellers headed to the country for the long weekend, the football-starved Eagles fans who remained – or fled their rural homes for the weekend – made the most of the opportunity after a 2020 season where they were largely denied the chance. With a cap of 75% of stadium capacity allowed under COVID restrictions, which equates to about 45,000 fans, the Eagles had 42,090 mostly home town supporters wander through the gates. And they enjoyed every moment of it.