Effort versus class. Intent versus execution. Youth versus experience.
These are the comparisons that summed up the difference in the Brisbane Lions' 69-point loss to the Cats at Simonds Stadium.
The Lions - without Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich and Dayne Beams - were rank outsiders against a Cats side playing their first game of the year at their Geelong stronghold.
But for big parts of the game, the visitors equipped themselves well, running with intent when the opportunity presented itself and continuing to work hard to try to stay in the contest.
That intent was illustrated by the contested possession count, in which the Lions were shaded 135-127.
The third term was a good example of the Lions' effort, the home team extending their halftime lead by just a single point as the Lions applied pressure around the contest and moved the ball through the corridor whenever they could.
It brought the Lions undone at times, taking one risk too many, but at least the intent was there, if not the execution.
The class and execution of Cats stars Patrick Dangerfield (26 possessions, 3 goals), Joel Selwood (35 possessions, 7 tackles), Steven Motlop (28 possessions, 2 goals) and Tom Hawkins (4 goals) broke the game open, particularly through the back end of the first quarter up until halftime.
But overall the Lions refused to lie down, led by Harris Andrews, Tom Bell (22 possessions, 6 marks, 2 goals), Pearce Hanley (27 possessions, 7 tackles) and Mitch Robinson (31 possessions).
It was at Simonds Stadium that Andrews earned his Rising Star nomination last season, and his effort today was almost as good.
A brave Andrews spoil amid three Geelong players in the third term off a long Andrew Mackie kick-in created a goal for Ryan Bastinac going back the other way.
The lanky Queenslander's composure in traffic and ability to intercept opposition ball are well beyond the teenager's years.
Josh Green also had some good moments as he kicked his 100th AFL goal.
But as hard as the Lions worked, ill-timed errors, poor goal kicking and free kicks conceded in kickable positions combined to cruel any real chance they had to get back into the game.
The Cats ran away with proceedings in the final term, their composure and skill execution overwhelming the young Lions.
Geelong's average of 113 games per player compared the visitors' 69 games was a factor - but the Lions know that they must continue to work on improving a range of basic skills, particularly under pressure.
The Lions now have a six-day break ahead of Saturday's twilight QClash against the Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba.
