Tom Hawkins was the centre of attention in Geelong's 22-point victory over Sydney, kicking a match-winning four goals and collecting young Swan Jordan Dawson with a forearm to the head.
A free kick and 50m penalty were paid against Hawkins, with Saturday's incident certain to attract the attention of match review officer Michael Christian.
In the big Cat's favour is that Dawson was back on his feet quickly and played on, making a fine the most likely outcome.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said it was significant the umpire chose not to report Hawkins.
"There wouldn't be anyone who would think the action was intentional," he said.
"It was careless, that is the worst it is, it was high and no impact and it's a fine.
"Again, I think the umpire was in a good position to make that decision."
The Cats overcame a slow start to win 13.7 (85) to 8.15 (63), improving their win-loss record to 10-1 and going two games clear atop the ladder.
Sydney have enjoyed great success at GMHBA Stadium, winning in each of the previous three years - a record made even more remarkable as the Cats have dropped only one other match at home to any team in three-and-a-half seasons.
The Swans made another flying start on Saturday,establishing an early 15-point lead with three of the first four goals.
The Cats steadied with five-straight majors - including two to Hawkins to edge 16 points ahead.
Sydney surged again and a big Mitch Duncan goal right on the siren gave the Cats a six-point advantage at halftime.
They made the decisive break early in the third term with three goals in two-and-a-half minutes.
Shortly afterwards, Hawkins kicked his fourth to push the margin out to a game-high 29 points.
The Swans kept plugging away in the final quarter but could not get the margin under two goals.
"It's not often you come down to Geelong and have more scoring shots," said Sydney coach John Longmire.
"A fair bit went right for a fair bit of the game.
"And then they kicked eight goals in 15 minutes which was the back end of the first quarter and the first 10 minutes of the third."
The first games by enigmatic forwards Gary Rohan and Daniel Menzel against their former sides were mostly non-events.
Rohan was held goalless while Menzel kicked his only major late in the final quarter in his first senior match for the Swans.
The Cats were well served by midfield stars Tim Kelly, Patrick Dangerfield and Duncan, while co-captains Dane Rampe and Luke Parker starred for the Swans.
Geelong lost first-choice ruckman Rhys Stanley to an adductor strain before the opening bounce, freeing the way for Zac Smith's first senior game of 2019.
Geelong's next match is a Friday night blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG.
Sydney host reigning premiers West Coast on Sunday week at the SCG.
