Geelong has survived a dramatic last quarter scare to book its first grand final appearance since 2007, with a hard-fought five point win against Werribee at North Port Oval last Sunday as Kane Hunkin reports.
While Geelong led from start to finish, a spirited fourth term revival, which saw the Tigers kick five of the last six goals, almost produced one of the VFL finals’ biggest comebacks.
Like the previous meeting between the sides (round five), the scoreboard damage was done early. However, in a reversal of the initial clash, it was the Cats who gained controlled, mainly through the agency of Orren Stephenson (two goals). Geelong built on their lead to take a handy 32-point lead into half time.
A crucial free kick, which resulted in a double goal to Geelong, provided the significant moment of the third quarter. When Mitch Brown kicked his third goal of the afternoon mid-way through the term, Geelong was 48 points up – and a grand final spot appearing secured. However, the Tigers rallied.
A subsequent four-goal burst from Werribee kept the game honest. But, respective goals to Darcy Holden and Simon Hogan each side of the last change gave the Cats the momentum once more. The Tigers proved stubborn and slowly reduced the deficit. The game reached an intense conclusion after Majak Daw goaled from outside fifty to place the margin under a goal.
Geelong though would hold on to book its spot in the 2012 Peter Jackson VFL Grand Final.
After the game, Geelong coach Matthew Knights was pleased with the win, observing his relief after the game’s tense final moments.
“Thankfully we were able to lock it up and [there were] a couple of stoppages late. The siren went at the right time and full credit to Werribee for coming back so hard after I thought we held them at bay for three quarters with good, quality football,” Knights said.
Knights provided an interesting overview, noting the win was attributed to the strong foundations of Geelong at both AFL and VFL level.
“From round one this year, we’ve played Geelong style football. We’ve tackled hard, we’ve stayed in games, [and] we’ve tried to be a very good defensive team. The players have represented Geelong very well.
“They’ve watched the AFL team do it for the last period of time and they’ve had some good role models and mentors, and I said to them, it’s your turn to play well for the Geelong football club and the Geelong community. And, I think they did both proud today.”
First year rookie Cameron Eardley continued his impressive finals series.
“For an 18 year old to play on [Ben] Warren was a big ask. But, he [Eardley] is tenacious and he has a never say die attitude. And, he took a couple of marks late in the last quarter going back with the flight of the ball that really pleased us,” Knights said.
Geelong now face Port Melbourne in the Grand Final. In a fitting correlation, the match marks the 10th anniversary of the 2002 grand final between the two sides.
Knights believes his side is capable of playing competitive football.
“We ran them very, very close at Port oval a couple of weeks ago. I give ourselves a really good shot at winning the footy game. As Gary [Ayres] would with his club. I think it was a great game two weeks ago and if both teams can play at that level, it’s going to be an outstanding game of footy to watch.”
Geelong 16.12.108 def Werribee 15.13.103
Last Modified on 17/09/2012 22:48