AFL Media's Mitch Cleary recaps the five key talking points from Melbourne's round one loss to Geelong
1. Debutants set the scene
Bayley Fritsch had Melbourne fans out of their seats before they were barely able to get warm inside the first five minutes. A blistering run in front of the Olympic Stand ended in a behind before flying high between Jed Bews and Taylor for the opening goal of the match. Mature-age Cats debutant Tim Kelly looked composed in traffic and exploded in the second term before finishing with 27 disposals. Esava Ratugolea kicked Geelong's first major and was thrown into the ruck before he fatigued. Eighteen-year-old Lachie Fogarty delivered exactly what Scott asked for with pressure, kicked a goal with his first touch and ended his debut with 20 disposals.
Debutant Bayley Fritsch had a goal within five minutes
2. Geelong's flexibility put to the test
Plans were thrown out the door after quarter-time when Harry Taylor hobbled from the ground with a left foot concern. Mark Blicavs, standing 198cm, was pushed to the last line of defence to cover Taylor's loss as debutant Esava Ratugolea gave Zac Smith a chop out in the ruck before Jake Kolodjashnij moved to Jesse Hogan in the final term. After Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie retired, Taylor's move back from attack was a key move for Chris Scott in the off-season and the star defender will head for scans on Monday to learn the full extent of his injury.
3. What fitness test?
Clayton Oliver was put through his paces on Thursday with a right knee concern but passed with flying colours. The big-bodied midfielder had the knee strapped and finished with 29 disposals and one goal, splitting time between midfield and attack. He wasn't afraid to get physical and as his fitness increases will move back to his permanent role onball. Pre-game, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said Angus Brayshaw and Dom Tyson had simply been overlooked for selection, such is the strength of the Dees' depth.
4. Geelong's efficiency going forward turns heads
In the first half, everything Geelong touched turned to gold with 20 scoring shots from 24 inside 50's. The incredible efficiency forced Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin to move veteran Jordan Lewis back to stem the tide. He picked up eight crucial disposals in the third term as Geelong managed one goal to Melbourne’s four. Jake Lever looked shaky in defence at times in his first game for the Demons, and while Michael Hibberd finished with 20 disposals, his trademark dash was limited. Geelong finished with 41 inside 50s, 23 less than the Demons and scored from 66 per cent of entries.
5. Ablett returns to the scene of the crime
In his previous 51 encounters at the MCG, few matches had received as much attention for Gary Ablett in his first game in the blue and white hoops since 2010. And he delivered in spades – 39 disposals to turn back the clock. The loudest roar of the first term was reserved for Ablett as he kicked truly on the run from 40m and was flocked by every Cats teammate. Returning from a hamstring niggle and interrupted past month, Ablett started in the midfield and spent time in attack.
