Pure guts got Geelong a breakthrough win at the Portress on Friday night.
It was a battle of attrition with an injury depleted Geelong refusing to yield.
It was all the more meritorious given the final quarters Geelong has put in for its only two interstate games so far, giving up seven goals each time.
Now the young brigade know what it takes to win these games as their development continues.
For apart from almost-300 gamer Corey Enright it was the younger midfield that led the way.
Enright turned back the clock in a virtuoso performance, making up for the loss of James Kelly in the first quarter.
Skipper Joel Selwood was on and off the ground with a bloody nose in a tough night.
Rhys Stanley had his best game for his new club but couldn’t finish his night after succumbing to a foot injury.
It continues the run of injuries to Geelong’s big men leaving the stocks bare and forcing Josh Walker to manfully shoulder the ruck burden.
But he was ably assisted by the continuing story of Mark Blicavs, perfecting the third man up play and exerting influence around the ground.
Along with the steady improvement, the win keeps its finals hopes well and truly alive.
A loss to Melbourne while marking Enright’s milestone next week is inconceivable.
