1. Buddy bursts back into the spotlight
The superstar kicked a goal 39 seconds into the game to have the crowd on their feet, and his second took him to number 20 on the list of greatest goalkickers in VFL/AFL history. Buddy ended the first half the way he started with another major and had four at the main break. Not even a shoulder knock could slow the champ down as he reminded us all why he's the best big forward in the game.
2. Did Travis Cloke miss the plane to Sydney?
While Franklin dominated his forward 50, Cloke's influence on the game was non-existent, and he finished the first half with Easter eggs on the stats sheet after being blanketed by Heath Grundy. Coach Nathan Buckley was so desperate to get his power forward into the game that Cloke started the second-half in the ruck. He's a much-maligned player – sometimes unfairly - but he's hardly got a case to complain after a woeful start to 2016.
3. Swans first-gamers on fire
The Swans haven't started three debutants in 26 years, but Callum Mills, George Hewett and rookie upgrade Tom Papley well and truly repaid the faith shown in them by coach John Longmire. Mills had 18 possessions and was cool across half-back, Hewett slotted straight into the midfield and looked right at home, while Papley played his crumbing forward role to perfection. The Swans' depth has been questioned but they still have co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, Sam Reid, Ted Richards, Ben McGlynn and Gary Rohan to return.
Tom Papley finished with three goals in an outstanding debut on Saturday night.
4. Where does Collingwood get best value for money from their skipper?
Scott Pendlebury is a star of the competition but he struggled to give the Pies any drive on a dark night in Sydney. He spent time in the midfield, at half-back and playing as a loose man in defence, but never got going against the Swans. Collingwood looked lost coming out of the back 50 so Pendlebury's skills could definitely help that area, but his ball-winning ability through the middle of the ground has been his greatest strength. It could be a week-to-week decision for Nathan Buckley.
5. Do the Swans need leg speed?
The question marks over the Swans' pace have been there for a couple of seasons and the departure of Lewis Jetta and injuries to Gary Rohan and Ben McGlynn haven't helped them go away. Speed didn't look to be an issue against the Pies however, with the way the home side moved the ball often making the opposition look slow. The addition of Papley has added bite, and with Harry Cunningham and Zak Jones also complementing inside players like Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and Tom Mitchell, the Swans looked the quicker team.
