It was only two points, it was worth four, but it created a margin of eight – such was the import of this pulsating contest.
Geelong finally beat a top side in Fremantle, albeit at its Kardinia Park home and by only two points.
But coach Chris Scott will take it because it secures a top four finish.
The end result was important because it created a buffer for Geelong that overcomes its percentage deficiencies.
But what was even more pleasing was some of the passages of play the Cats put together and the pressure they put the Dockers under.
Best of all was Geelong’s ability to withstand the Fremantle final quarter comeback and hold on for the win.
Scott has been promising a build up when it counted most and the Geelong development over the last few weeks has been exactly what the coach ordered.
Harry’s heroics, taking a record 19 defensive marks, the skipper’s leadership, the run and carry from the speedsters and the spread of goal kickers were all reasons for Cheshire Cat smiles.
Fremantle would have rued its misses, but Geelong missed a few as well, so there’s no joy in that.
The key one, of course, was the kick after the siren that failed to find the goal Fremantle needed for the win.
Injuries out of this game could have a bearing on the pre-finals weeks, a picture that will become clearer in the next few days.
