1. Lessons from the loss

We know it’s one of the most-used cliches in footy, but we’re not lying when we say there’ll be plenty of lessons to take out of this loss.

Despite being a golden point up in the dying minutes, there was nothing the Bulldogs could do but hope that Geelong set-shot would be sprayed, or even better, fall short.

Unfortunately, the Bulldogs struggled to find a mark late, and were unable to maintain possession when they needed to most.

But with the second half of the season in full swing, and the Dogs hoping to regain a number of players from injury in the weeks to come, there’s no doubt this loss will be one the group learns from moving forward.

2. Toby’s comeback completed

Nearly 10 months after rupturing his ACL, Toby McLean returned to senior football on Friday night.

And while it was a somewhat unconventional return – with players typically rebuilding match minutes through VFL – McLean looked right at home in his first game in 278 days.

The 25-year-old was a late inclusion, recording 21 disposals and three clearances from 71% time on ground.

He also dribbled through a late goal in the dying minutes, to put the Bulldogs up by a single point.

3. Dogs’ defence holding up

A lot was said about Geelong’s ‘three-headed monster’ heading into Friday night.

And rightly so – given Gary Rohan, Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron had combined for 12 goals the week prior.

So for the Bulldogs’ back-line to hold them to just five goals combined – one being Rohan’s heartbreaking match-winner after-the-siren – was an effort in itself.

Reigning Club champion Caleb Daniel registered 27 disposals, spending some additional minutes inside, while Bailey Williams continued his form with 24 touches, eight intercepts and six marks.

Alex Keath stood tall once again with seven intercepts, and Taylor Duryea notched up 22 disposals and six intercepts.