My take aways from the game;
The forwards hunted as a PACK, solid initial contact, multiple players in every tackle, some of the hits were easily audible, a good solid THUMP.
The line speed in defence, in a straight line, no rushing, no lagging, was impressive (the very basis of Ciraldo's defensive "system").
Hit 'em hard and early with multiple players, every set, no respite, easy to say hard to do.
Xerri isn't rusty, looked just like he did 4 years ago, solid in defence, powerful runs, good offload and the acceleration was a sight to behold.
Salmon carried out the "ball playing lock" role at a very high level, Curran was my original pick for lock, but he has solid competition, not a bad thing.
1/2's, hard to pick, need more game time.
The drop off in Melbourne once the "superstars" don't play is dramatic, our 17 to 28 outplayed them drastically, a couple of injuries and they are farked.
Bring on next week.
Always a Bulldog