1. The club’s Irish contingent have been outstanding this season and again set the bar high in this game. Aisling McCarthy has led the way for contested possessions through the year, but the pace and competitive streak of the Kelly sisters has also shone through. Niamh and Grace both kicked two goals, with Niamh’s lightning speed and dare causing all sorts of issues for the Cats defence.

2. The atmosphere generated by a group of school kids, located under the shelter at the northern end of Mineral Resources Park, was a terrific initiative. Bringing the community into the precinct is an important aspect of the club’s charter and the youngsters helped to create a vibrant atmosphere. Unfortunately, they had to leave at half time, but they had played their role in supporting the Eagles and helped them get away to a flier.

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3. The defensive effort of Chantella Perera was again first class. Not only did she impact the game individually, making astute decisions on when to commit to a contest and when to fold back, but her organisation of the back half was pronounced. She was instructive and in conjunction with teammates Lauren Gauci and Maddy Collier rebounded brilliantly and set up many of the team’s attacking opportunities.

4. There is no doubt that Imahra Cameron is one of the most talented players in the competition and she showed her capabilities, particularly in the first half against the Cats. She had an early opportunity in the first quarter but a set shot slewed wide of the mark before capitalising on her chances in the second term, kicking three goals in a game breaking six minute burst. In doing so she became the highest goal-kicker in a single game for the Eagles in the AFLW competition.

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5. Captain Emma Swanson and ruck Parris Laurie have been mainstays of the team for the last two years and have set a high watermark. Again they excelled in their respective roles against the Cats and must be appreciative of teammates stepping up to shoulder more of the burden. It is often said in football that depth of talent wins games and across the board against Geelong every player contributed to the team’s biggest ever win.