Geelong has snapped a three game losing streak defeating league leaders Port Melbourne in one of the upsets of the season as Kane Hunkin reports.
The win rectifies a disappointing last month for the Cats and similarly reinforces the impressive early season form that saw the side positioned in the top four.
In wet and slippery conditions at Simonds Stadium, the home side produced a solid four quarters of football, with a six goal third term significant to the end result.
While the efforts of George Horlin-Smith and Jonathan Simpkin in the midfield were again crucial, it was a balanced display across the ground that proved decisive against a Port Melbourne side entering the game on the back of an 89 point win against Frankston.
A Sam Dwyer goal in the first minute of the game appeared ominous, but Geelong remained stubborn to eventually take a four point lead into the first change. Dean Galea (seven goals) asserted himself as the focal point in the second term, kicking all three of Port Melbourne's majors.
A combined nine goal third quarter belied the dour conditions, with the home side opening up a game high 14 point lead at the 29 minute mark; after an effective rebound from half back resulted in a George Burbury goal.
While Port Melbourne always appeared dangerous, it was Geelong's day, with consecutive goals to Simon Hogan, Mitch Brown and Jordan Schroder in the first ten minutes of the final term setting up the memorable win.
The aforementioned Horlin-Smith and Simpkin were a dominant duo for the Cats, while Galea and Chris Cain were solid contributors for a defeated Boroughs outfit.
After the game, Geelong coach Matthew Knights was enthused by his side's effort, noting the four quarter commitment.
"It was great today to be able to walk out of here saying we played four quarters of effort and four quarters of the way we want to play - the Geelong way. And we got rewarded for it," Knights said in the rooms.
Knights was equally pragmatic in his assessment of the game, observing the importance of contested football, particularly in wet conditions.
"I sort of knew, and it was probably vindicated even in the warm up, that they [Port Melbourne] were going to be really strong on the inside of the contest and then were going to spread really hard if they won it.
"It was quite apparent that early in the game when they got the ball out in space, with their bigger bodies they looked dangerous. But, we matched them on the inside for the day in the contested ball. And, we were able to be as good on the outside," he said.
Coming into the game on the back of a disappointing four goal loss to North Ballarat, the coach stated the inclusions of the likes of Horlin-Smith, Billie Smedts and Schroder were helpful.
"They played their role well. They added a bit of spirit and spark to our team. I thought also Simon Hogan played really well in that middle part of the game [too]."
Geelong are well positioned going into another bye, with Knights additionally affirming the positive weekend shared by both the AFL and VFL teams.
"Last night the AFL team had a fantastic win against Carlton and we were able to win today. So going into a bye, it has all the players and coaches really pleased with their efforts of this game. But I think we'll quickly be looking to the two games after the bye, which are so important to both teams."
With another week off, Geelong buoyed by the upset win, should start as favourites in their round 13 away clash against the Northern Blues.
Contrastively, the loss is just Port Melbourne's second defeat in their last 31 games. Although, the Borough still maintain top spot on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder, returning home this Saturday to take on Coburg in the ABC TV game.
Geelong 16.10.106 def Port Melbourne 13.7.85
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 11/06/2012 09:29