“Words can’t describe it - It’s an amazing feeling,” McIntosh told Cats TV.
McIntosh, 29, has spent two seasons away from the action due to injury troubles.
“Just experiencing that moment after the siren, that win - there’s no better feeling in the world.
“I’ve missed it and I haven’t experienced it for two years.”
All combined, the Cats 38-point-win over Adelaide, McIntosh’s first game and Jimmy Bartel’s incredible performance during his 250th game, added extra excitement to Geelong’s season opener.
“It’s just great to be playing footy again, it was a really tough year last year and winning that game for Jimmy was a dream come true,” McIntosh said.
Despite McIntosh’s precarious journey in and out of the medical room, the 203cm ruckman felt humbled by the reception he received during and after Thursday night’s win.
Everything about Thursday night for McIntosh was worth waiting for.
“It’s been an up and down journey and I’ve been a bit emotional at times… but it’s all worth it to experience that moment in the middle (singing the song) and being belted by Gatorade.
“For how long I’ve been away I just want to now cherish every game and every win.”
The Cats have gone from having no permanent ruckmen to having both Hamish McIntosh and Dawson Simpson in the mix. The two share very different game styles, however, McIntosh believes this will only complement their partnership not hinder it.
“The thing with Dawson is that we are two pretty different ruckmen which is good. I think our partnership will work really well, McIntosh said.
Simpson, who has also been crippled with injury in recent times, played up until three-quarter-time in Thursday’s clash with a delivery of 17 hit-outs and one goal.
Playing all four-quarters, McIntosh completed the night with 12 touches, 19 hit-outs, one goal and one goal-assist to teammate Jimmy Bartel.
“We saw Dawson tonight and the time he played he played really well and I thought tonight was a really good start for our partnership, I thought it was really effective and hopefully it can be a really good one going forward,” Simpson explained.
“He’s an impressive player and he’s had a great start to the preseason and tonight he was outstanding again.”
Meanwhile, McIntosh was impressed with young Cat Josh Caddy, who played a key role in the midfield, collecting 20 disposals, four tackles and a goal.
“It’s probably one of the positives that has come out of the loss of Motlop and Bundy because it means Caddy can spend more time in the midfield and we can already see what a superstar he’s going to be.”
Cats defender Jared Rivers, who was also traded to Geelong in late 2012 and was out with injury last year, executed a pleasing performance in the back-line.
“That mark he took in the last quarter going back with the flight was unbelievable,” McIntosh explained.
“I got drafted the same year as Jared so we’re been through the journey together and it’s great to see him going really well, as we were both sidelined last year through injury.”
Despite the excitement that surrounds McIntosh, he realises the competition is only going to get harder as the season progresses.
Next Sunday the Cats will make the journey up towards the sunshine to take on the Brisbane Lions.
“There are no easy weeks now… Matty Leuenberger is a superstar ruckman, he has really improved every year and he’s probably ready to step to the next level now and it’s going to be a big challenge for Dawson and myself.”
Last time the Cats met the Lions at the GABBA they were suddenly overturned with only minutes remaining in the game. The Cats look forward to the rematch.
