In a crucial clash with one of the top teams, Geelong’s young brigade put their best foot forward to close out an important win over Port Adelaide.
Boosted by a four-goal first half from Ollie Henry and an impressive display from Gryan Miers, the Cats were able to hold off the Power to re-enter the top eight with three rounds remaining.
Cats veteran, Isaac Smith was equally important once again against Port Adelaide collecting 22 disposals while also hitting the scoreboard early in the opening term.
The reigning Norm Smith medallist said the Cats were spurred on by their young core on Saturday night, who have risen to new heights throughout the 2023 season.
“It's important for the club that those individuals to really start putting their imprint on this side, because it will become their club soon,” Smith told Cats media.
“We are starting to see that age group really start to have an influence out on the field, but also off the field within the club.
When I first got here, Gryan Miers was just making his way. Ollie Henry in the first half was really impressive tonight, Tanner Bruhn has been really good this year.
Sam De Koning, Max Holmes and Brad Close are really starting to be influential for us."
When momentum shifted in Port Adelaide’s favour during the middle of the game, the Cats backline were able to stand tall and thwart a number of dangerous entries inside forward-50.
On the back of a strong second half from Tom Stewart, Geelong were able to hold the Power to just two goals in the final quarter as they stormed home from an important win.
Isaac Smith spoke to Cats media on the impact of the backline, but also how the side was able to apply pressure on Port Adelaide all night.
"We have some pretty impressive players down back,” Smith said.
“But overall, I thought our system covered for us a lot today and we had the right players in the right spots.
We were able to challenge them, even when they got on a roll we were able to challenge them when they were exiting defensive 50.
"Both teams had to change a couple of things, I thought it was pretty impressive the way we won.
"Not necessarily to the overall result, but I thought we got back to playing some good footy similar to the back end of last year."
