1. Cats get their percentage boost
Geelong ruckman Zac Smith made the big (albeit obvious) call early in the week. Smith stated his side was searching for a percentage-boosting win against the Bombers, given the tightness at the top of the ladder. Geelong started its clash with Essendon on 133.1 per cent, well behind the second-placed Sydney Swans (144.2 per cent), third-placed Adelaide Crows (141.2) and fourth-placed Greater Western Sydney (140.2). They have had their lapses against lowly teams at stages this season, but the Cats were completely in control against Essendon, winning by 66 points. It pushed their percentage up to 137.1 to see them shift into fifth place on the ladder, with games to come against Richmond, the Brisbane Lions and St Kilda.

Scott says win 'wasn't an outrageous success'

2. Early pain for the Dons
Essendon lost its captain Brendon Goddard to a groin injury midway through the first term, making the seemingly impossible task of defeating the Cats even more unlikely. Goddard suffered the injury in the back pocket stretching for the ball, and then turned it over when attempting to pass to a teammate using his non-preferred left foot. The stand-in skipper has been remarkably durable throughout his career, particularly in his four seasons at Essendon, playing 83 of a possible 86 games since crossing from the Saints at the end of 2012. It will be interesting to see who is named to lead the Bombers in forthcoming weeks if Goddard is sidelined, with promoted vice-captain Mark Baguley (knee) also injured. 

3. Enright still going all right
Last week, Geelong veteran Corey Enright broke the club record for the most games, running out in the blue and white hoops for the 326th time. This week, in his 327th appearance, the 34-year-old gathered 25 disposals in the first half and did pretty much whatever he pleased patrolling Geelong's half-back line. He looked set to eclipse his career-best tally of 37 disposals such was the ease with which he gathered his touches, but Essendon improved its structure after the main break and Enright had only one disposal in the third term and three in the fourth. It is uncertain whether Enright will retire at the end of this season, but his form has shown he is more than capable of playing on in 2017. 

GAMEBREAKER: Enright's first-half heroics

4. New low for Bombers
Essendon's scoring woes deepened against the Cats, with their 4.10 (34) final total the lowest the Bombers have recorded at Etihad Stadium. It 'beat' the previous lowest at the Docklands venue, which was 5.9 (39) in round 22, 2008 when the Bombers were belted by St Kilda to the tune of 108 points. Essendon didn't register a goal in the first half against Geelong for the second time in their past three meetings, with forward Sam Grimley booting the Bombers' first major two minutes into the third term. Essendon's defensive mindset to limit the damage was obvious in the fact that defenders Mitch Brown (18), Martin Gleeson (14) and James Kelly (10) combined for 42 marks, none of which were contested.  

5. Another Selwood steps out for the Cats
It's been a long time coming but Scott Selwood finally made his first appearance for Geelong on Sunday. The younger brother of Cats skipper Joel arrived at the club last year via West Coast having undergone serious ankle surgery. The 26-year-old has been steadily building up his form and fitness in the VFL and came into the team against Essendon, spending time as a defensive midfielder against David Zaharakis and Adam Cooney across the contest. Selwood finished with 16 disposals for the game, and might have timed his run well. The Cats are primed for a premiership tilt and Selwood could add another hard edge to their already brilliant midfield unit. 

Blessed Cat times run well