GEELONG has quelled a powerful performance from Port Melbourne to register its tenth straight win.
In one of the games of the season, the Cats held off an impressive Port Melbourne showing to win by six points and reinforce their top of the ladder status, as Kane Hunkin reports.
With a strong breeze providing an interesting backdrop to the contest, Geelong looked to build on its recent winning streak, which included an 85-point win against the Borough in round 11.
With Port Melbourne’s current position in the top eight an immediate concern, the home side played assertive and aggressive football early, missing the likes of Dean Galea, Toby Pinwill and Shane Valenti from their lineup.
Kicking to the Williamstown Rd end in the second term, Port Melbourne kicked four of the first five goals of the quarter to gain the ascendency on a Geelong side featuring the likes of Paul Chapman, Josh Hunt, Billie Smedts and Taylor Hunt.
A seven-point half-time lead to the Borough was significant, with captain John Baird’s 14 first-half possessions influential. Additionally, Geelong captain Troy Selwood was helped off the ground with a serious shoulder injury, playing no further part in the match.
With the scoreboard locked in a similar range throughout, the last quarter proved symptomatic of the game – hard and close – with seven points the biggest margin to either side in the final term.
The two sides went goal for goal in the fourth term. The stalemate was broken by two late goals to Geelong. Shane Kersten’s handball found Paul Chapman, who duly ran into the open goal, which sealed a memorable win for the Cats.
Ryan Bathie continued to show a recent move to the forward line has paid dividends, with the key position player kicking four goals. Josh Cowan (26 possessions), George Horlin-Smith (25 possessions) and Paul Chapman (24 possessions) were critical to the end result.
Comparatively, Chris Cain’s 26 possessions and Baird’s 25 touches were crucial but ultimately not enough in the brave defeat.
Geelong coach Matthew Knights was appreciative of the contest when observing the win in the rooms.
“It was an unbelievable game. I think the last time these two sides met at this ground [2012 Qualifying final] it was a very compelling and unbelievable game of footy as well.
“I think both teams played pretty aggressive footy all day. We certainly felt that Port [Melbourne] tackled really well. They were really on top of us early,” Knights said.
Experienced veterans Paul Chapman and Josh Hunt were decisive in the win.
“I thought Josh Hunt played a really good game. Some of his cut off marks were great. Some of his kicking in tough conditions was really good. I thought he marshalled the players really well in that dying three or four minutes.
“Chappy broke the lines really well. He just ended up at the right spot at the right time for that last goal,” Knights said.
The win was sour by the serious shoulder injury to Selwood, with the captain to undergo X-Rays.
“His shoulder dislocated or popped out. It took awhile for the medicos to get it back in. It is a really bitter blow for the skipper – he is very much a heartbeat of the club,” Knights affirmed.
In the final round of the home-and-away season, Geelong, having the minor premiership assured, travel to Bendigo to take on the Gold this Friday night. While, Port Melbourne travel to Mantello Holden Oval to take on Coburg on Sunday.
Geelong 15.12.102 def Port Melbourne 14.12.96
Last Modified on 19/08/2013 16:48