1. Levi shows no remorse on wounded 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, Levi Greenwood was handed the almighty task of controlling the Lions hard-nut. And as Josh Thomas began a set-shot approach from inside 50, Zorko was on his haunches catching his breath after copping a bruising hit. Greenwood, who had been conjoined at Zorko’s hip all night, didn’t view this opportunity any differently. Greenwood led with both his knees and drove them into the rib cage of Zorko. Clearly angered, Zorko let his frustration show, sharing a war of words and a number of jumper punches with the Magpie tagger. But Greenwood had the last laugh, restricting the Lions skipper to just 14 disposals for the night in his side’s 31-point win.

PIES BACK ON SONG Full match coverage and stats

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 NAB AFL 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. There have been whispers for the large part of the season, Beams - who is contracted until the end of next season - is keen to return back to Victoria. It was rumoured midweek he had been approached by Essendon, but the Bombers denied such talks had taken place. With the speculation around Beams’ future sure to continue, Brisbane must ensure its best player remains a Lion as his leadership and influence are priceless.

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 dearly 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 was the beneficiary early after his direct opponent Darcy Gardiner dislocated his right shoulder in the opening term and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. He was then pitted against 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 potential. The Lions were gallant in defeat, particularly after they were reduced to three men on the bench after 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 tireless and provided unwavering 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 sit 16th on the ladder, but there is no question they have a bright future 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’s no surprise the duo are favourites to finish 1st and 2nd for this season’s NAB Rising Star award.