1. Levi shows no remorse on talented Lion
At the seven-minute mark of the third term, the margin was just four points to the advantage of Collingwood. The intensity between the two sides had lifted, while the atmosphere inside Etihad Stadium was immense. Dayne Zorko was best on ground the last time the two sides met, but this time round, it was Levi Greenwood who was handed the almighty task of controlling the Lions hard-nut. Greenwood had the last laugh, restricting the Lions skipper to just 14 disposals for the night in his side’s 41-point win.



Dayne Zorko and Levi Greenwood go head-to-head.

2. Great Dayne sends Pies barking mad
Originally from Gold Coast’s hinterland, Dayne Beams was recruited by Collingwood with Pick No. 29 in the 2008 National Draft. But a lot has changed since the Great Dayne lifted a premiership trophy in just his second season. At the end of 2014, Beams headed home and landed at the Brisbane Lions. They have been grateful for his tireless contribution ever since, and against his former side on Saturday night, Beams (a game-high 33 disposals, five clearances and one goal) ran riot through the Lions’ midfield to continue his outstanding season that holds him in All-Australian contention.

3. De Goey key to Pies’ premiership chances
Collingwood has endured a wretched run of misfortune this season and has a lengthy injury list to prove it. Missing more than 10 players from their best 22 – Jeremy Howe, Adam Treloar, Daniel Wells, Darcy Moore, Lynden Dunn and Matt Scharenberg to name a few – the Pies cannot afford to add Jordan De Goey to the walking wounded. After putting trade talks to bed by signing a two-year contract, De Goey had been sorely missed the past two weeks, sidelined with a lower leg injury. But on Saturday night, the Pies’ fan-favourite played out of the goal square and threatened each time he found the footy, finishing with 12 disposals, four marks and four goals in a best-on-ground performance. De Goey benefited early after his direct opponent Darcy Gardiner was sidelined for the remainder of the game after dislocating his right shoulder in the opening term. De Goey was then paired against usual-tagger Nick Robertson, but the Magpie was far too good, using his strength on several occasions to brush Robertson aside with ease. He may only be 22-years-old, but De Goey’s X-factor remains integral to Collingwood’s chances of a 2018 premiership tilt.

4. Young cubs have bright future
Brisbane may only have four wins for the season, but it possesses a list full of youth and full of potential. The Lions were gallant in defeat, particularly after being reduced to three men on the bench following Gardiner’s injury in the first term. And while former skipper Dayne Beams led the charge, it was the inexperienced brigade – Alex Witherden, Hugh McCluggage, Cameron Rayner, Rhys Mathieson and Jarrod Berry – that battled tirelessly and provided unwithering support. Not one of the quintet has played more than 50 games, but on Saturday night they all showed glimpses of brilliance. The Lions may currently sit 16th on the ladder, but there is no question they have a bright future ahead and finals in 2019 should be in their sights.

5. Rising stars go head to head
Saturday night’s clash at Etihad Stadium gave onlookers the opportunity to witness two of the League’s most promising youngsters, Jaidyn Stephenson and Alex Witherden. Pies coach Nathan Buckley has not been afraid at times this season to play Stephenson one-out in the goal square, and while that role was De Goey’s on Saturday night, the Pies’ first-year recruit was still able to have a major influence finishing with 25 disposals, eight marks and two goals. Unlike Stephenson, Witherden is in his second season, and while he had a solid end to 2017, this season has elevated his game to another level. And it was evident against the Pies. The Lions defender used his excellent foot skills and game sense to his advantage en route to 30 disposals and a game-high 11 marks. It is no surprise the duo are favourites to finish first and second for this season’s AFL Rising Star award.