Who won the Josh Kennedy cup?
There was some doubt over the Swans' version of JK with an Achilles injury, but he took his place in the side and did what he does best. It was a tough day for forwards and West Coast's Coleman medallist didn't get much room from Heath Grundy. The star Eagle kicked a couple of goals, had 18 possessions, took 10 marks and battled hard for the visitors on a disappointing afternoon. The Swans midfielder finished the day with 31 touches (15 of those contested), six clearances and nine inside 50s for the home side and played a key role in their win. Advantage Josh Kennedy.
Which club got the better of last year's trade deal?
Ruckman Callum Sinclair and speedster Lewis Jetta swapped clubs during the off-season and both have added plenty to their new respective sides, but neither could lay claim to a mini-victory in this one. Sinclair was never a chance to grab any Brownlow votes when the heavens opened and the wet conditions certainly wouldn't have thrilled Jetta, who does his best work on a dry, slick surface. The Swans came away with the win so Sinclair might get some bragging rights, but after comparing his five touches and a goal with Jetta's 13 possessions, we might call this a scoreless draw.
Tom Papley might do a rain dance every week
The pint-sized forward has been a revelation since coming off the rookie list and was a star in the first half when players from both sides struggled with the slippery conditions. Papley had 15 possessions; four tackles, six inside 50s, plus kicked a goal and incredibly had a game-high six marks at half-time. He reads the play beautifully, puts enormous pressure on the opposition inside 50 ad has given the Swans outfit the zip and spark they needed. It's turned out to be a masterstroke piece of recruiting from Kinnear Beatson and the Swans' scouting team.
Why do teams bother with two ruckmen in the wet?
The pre-game showers weren't enough for either coach to swing a late change but it must have been closely looked at. Back-up big men Callum Sinclair (Swans) and Fraser McInnes (Eagles) had no real impact on the game and never looked like it in conditions that saw most of the action decided at ground level. An extra runner would have given both teams a great advantage in the second half – especially West Coast - after such a fierce contest, so you have to wonder why nobody was prepared to take a risk and go with a solo ruckman.
Matt Priddis needs some help
The Brownlow medallist fought hard against the odds at the SCG but just couldn't find enough support against the Swans when it came to winning the hard ball. Priddis gathered 28 disposals, 16 of those contested, and won seven clearances for West Coast, but apart from Luke Shuey (13 contested possessions) who also had a crack, the Eagles midfield wasn't up to it when the heat was on and the contested footy was up for grabs. Priddis and Shuey were the only Eagles to reach double figures, while the Swans' stars Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack, Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Tom Mitchell all had 12 or more contested possessions.
