Geelong held off an undermanned Port Adelaide for a thrilling 12-point win to breathe life back into its AFL premiership defence.
Ollie Henry kicked a career-high four goals and Gryan Miers was creative forward of centre in the 14.13 (97) to 12.13 (85) victory at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong on Saturday night.
It temporarily put the Cats back into the top eight on percentage before Carlton, which went back into the eight yesterday.
Off-season recruit Henry starred early, with four goals to his name by the opening minutes of the second quarter, while Miers (24 disposals) kicked two goals and had a direct hand in five others.
Experienced guns Patrick Dangerfield (20 disposals, one goal) and Isaac Smith (22, one) were also influential and key defensive pair Tom Stewart and Esava Ratugolea were superb in defence.
The win came at a cost, with Jack Henry substituted out because of a foot injury – on the opposite foot to the one that has caused him trouble in the past.
“It was a pretty stressful night for us because a lot of things were going well for us and we had control of the game but we just kept letting them back in,” Geelong coach Christ Scott said.
“We know how dangerous they can be, particularly through the midfield, and it just felt like we had problem after problem in the game.
“A few guys were hobbling a little bit and in that context it’s nice when you can find a way.”
Port Adelaide’s fourth straight defeat left their top-two spot in jeopardy and came amid a raft of injuries and illnesses.
The Power made six forced changes, with Jeremy Finlayson and Miles Bergman (both illness) late withdrawals before losing Trent McKenzie to a knee injury in the opening 10 minutes.
It got worse when Marshall, crucial in the absence of fellow tall forwards Finlayson and Charlie Dixon (foot), jogged off before quarter-time after hitting his head on the ground in a diving attempt to mark.
Power officials had come under intense scrutiny over their botched management of Aliir Aliir’s concussion protocols and took no risks with Marshall, sending him downstairs for further assessment.
Marshall was cleared to return and kicked a pair of important goals from strong marks either side of three-quarter time.
The second put Port in front early in the final term but Geelong finished stronger, kicking four of the last five goals.
Midfield stars Zak Butters (30 disposals, one goal) and Connor Rozee (27 touches) were brilliant for Port and Willie Rioli finished with four goals, while Sam Powell-Pepper kicked three.
“It was an outstanding effort and performance by a young team out there tonight and they did themselves reasonably proud,” Power coach Ken Hinkley said.
“But ultimately we’re here to win and we need to win and we didn’t win, and that’s the disappointing part.”
