When we thought Port Adelaide's slow starts couldn't get any worse, they produce a goalless first quarter and allow the Cats to kick seven at the other end. Geelong had 15 inside 50's to nine and Tom Hawkins and James Podsiadly kicked two goals each. While Geelong was clinical, the Power didn't score until the 13-minute mark and didn't kick a goal until well into the second term. It was the Cats best ever opening quarter at AAMI Stadium and Ken Hinkley desperately needs to find a solution to the Power's horror openings.
Watch the match highlights here
2. John the Butcher
Ken Hinkley said during the week that the Power were "walking out on a twig" by selecting John Butcher and unfortunately it snapped early in the match. Butcher took a mark 25 metres out directly in front and somehow kicked it out on the full. In the second quarter he won a free 35 metres out, straight in front, and again failed to score. The man nicknamed "The Future" tried hard all day but his confidence was clearly shot. It'll be interesting to see if Hinkley gives him another opportunity next week.
3. Stevie J the master
We all know how unpredictable Steve Johnson can be but he was at devastating best against Port. He produced an outstanding first quarter with 11 possessions, four handball receives, three inside 50s and a goal. His brilliance continued for the rest of the match finishing with 33 touches, seven clearances and an impressive nine tackles. There could be an inquest at AFL House if he doesn't receive three Brownlow votes for this performance.
4. Tomahawk back in form
A sore back has limited Tom Hawkins to a moderate start to 2013 but he was back to his best at AAMI Stadium. He moved freely in the forward line, was jumping well and his hands were strong pulling down five marks and kicking 6.1. He had some great support from James Podsiadly who had four of his own. The supply coming into the forward 50 helped a bit too.
5. Port's Pain
Before the game Port weren't favourites to win but after the first quarter all hope of victory was lost. Whilst they only lost the last three quarters by nine points overall, Hinkley will be extremely concerned by their decision making and turnovers. Port won the contested possessions and the clearances but blew easy opportunities in front of goal which killed their chances of working their way back into the match. They've now lost four in a row and have been beaten by more than 40 points in their last two matches at home.
