Port were also concerned with a jarred right knee injury to Ollie Wines, who for three quarters had a magnificent and incredibly tough duel with Joel Selwood, one of Geelongs best.
The injuries, and late forced omissions of big forwards – Port with Todd Marshall for Thomas, and Geelong with Tom Hawkins for George Horlin-Smith – saw the magnetic boards in the coaches boxes frantically used.
The key to Ports chances was their big forwards taking strong marks against the shorter Geelong defenders, but surprisingly the Power players were caught far too often up-field and when they gained possession they found themselves kicking to a small forward structure. The Cats just picked them off, as they did downfield when Port continuously looked to work the ball across the ground.
Yet, for all Geelongs excellent defending, their effort was not always reflected on the scoreboard. Generally, the key indicators like clearances at the stoppages and contested ball gets were even, although Port had clearly more disposals.
Geelong was more efficient in most areas, just not going for goal. Both sides erred in this area, hence the low scoring early – again it had little to do with their hard attack on the ball and especially the body.
Ultimately, Geelong simply showed more composure under unrelenting pressure. They virtually willed their way to this win. Their backline – a superb spread of hard and disciplined effort – was outstanding.
Geelong kicked their first goal after 15 minutes; Port after 20. They both missed easy shots , and between them they hit the post four times early. It was a game where chances were few, and every possession mattered.
With Hawkins out, Geelong coach Chris Scott used Dangerfield at full forward a lot early, and while he was a constant threat the pressure on Joel Selwood to led the midfield contests mounted.
Captain Cat was inspirational; as usual, this game wasnt easy for him as the attention was constant.
For most part, Port sorely lacked their usual flair, and hurt themselves badly with turnovers, but this was really tough footy; it got down to almost winning the ball at all costs.
Not surprisingly, given the incredible pressure around the ball in the first half, the game started to open up. The battle of attrition took over, and Ports continued poor use of the ball times causing turnovers became an even bigger issue.
Steve Motlop found the going tough against his old side.
This was a great win for Geelong; Port was on the rebound, and in front of a crowd of 45,372.
They had quality performances, but ultimately it was the hardness of a complete side that triumphed.
Geelong 3.2 5.7 8.10 12.12 (84)
Port Adelaide 1.2 4.4 7.5 7.8 (50)
GOALS – Geelong: Parsons 2, Horlin-Smith 2, Menegola, Fogarty, Ratugolea, Murdoch, Kelly, Duncan, Menzel, Dangerfield. Port: Neade 2, Thomas, R. Gray, Wines, Amon, S. Gray.
BEST – Geelong: J. Selwood, Dangerfield, Horlin-Smith, Menegola, Stanley, Kelly. Port: Wines, Ebert, Westhoff, R. Gray, Polec, Bonner.
INJURIES – Port: T, Marshall (concussion) replaced in selected side by L. Thomas; Hartlett (concussion; severe head cut). Geelong: Hawkins (back spasms) replaced in selected side by Horlin-Smith; S. Selwood (concussion)
REPORT: L. Thomas (Port) for alleged head-high contact on S. Selwood during the second quarter
UMPIRES: D. Margetts, H. Gavine, S. Ryan
CROWD: 45,372 at Adelaide Oval
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