Cats veteran Patrick Dangerfield played out the game with a hand injury and a post-game handshake appeared particularly painful for the Geelong great.
Dangerfield believes he will be fine for next week’s clash with Sydney, but he was clearly wincing, and his hand was swollen.
Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats competes against the Lions.Getty Images
Dangerfield also said that he believed players were playing longer because of sports science advancements and clubs wanting to keep players for longer.
“I don’t think it’s a mental thing as players have already been incredibly mentally strong in that regard,” Dangerfield told Kayo Sports.
“In sports science, the understanding that you can push players for longer [has made the difference].
“In earlier eras, you would get to 30 and you are almost written off. I think now, there isn’t an untapped amount of talent, so clubs realise they want to make the most of the players they’ve got.”