1. After a sub-standard performance against the Western Bulldogs there was an expectation of a response. It didn’t come. Not in terms of work rate or effort, which might have been the starting point. Sydney outplayed the Eagles in almost every aspect of the game and were certainly more committed. That was evident from the outset and it shone through in the key stats – the Swans had 82 more disposals, which translated to 20 more inside 50s and they had the ball in possession for 46% of the game compared to the Eagles 38%. The upshot of those numbers - and others – was a 92-point belting.

07:06

Simpson post-match v Swans

Hear from Adam Simpson as he speaks to the media after a tough day against the Swans.

2. As difficult as it was to find a few positives through the haze of another poor performance at GMHBA Stadium, there were a few individuals who met the expected standards. Midfield bull Elliot Yeo created the Eagles first goal of the game with a strong tackle on Swans defender Tom McCartin. He continued to put his shoulder to the wheel throughout and to build on his output after a delayed start to the year. He had 26 possessions and five clearances.

3. In a midfield that was well beaten, loping left-footer Dom Sheed was also strong in the clinches. He has had a solid season and is likely to be high up the leaderboard in the Club Champion Award. Sheed amassed 38 possessions – 20 kicks and 18 handpasses – won a team high eight clearances and gained 612 metres through those touches.

07:31

Highlights: Eagles v Swans

All the highlights from a tough day in Geelong

4. Lance “Buddy” Franklin had a reasonably strong impact on the game, but had it not been for the efforts of Tom Barrass it could have been even more profound. Franklin kicked three goals, but considering the flood of opportunities Barrass did all he could. The Eagles key defender had 15 possessions and took six marks in a noteworthy performance.

5. At the other end of the ground, where opportunities were limited, Jack Darling’s effort was also solid. He had 18 possessions – 13 of them contested – and took seven marks. In addition he had eight ground ball gets and certainly competed at the level expected. Obviously he would have preferred a much different result, but he again performed well at the bogey ground. He was also among the Eagles best in the thumping from Geelong earlier in the year.