There is no greater sight than a stadium full of blue and white, and no greater sound than the mighty roar of the Geelong faithful. 

Both things were out in full force on Friday night, with the Cats-strong crowd making their voices heard in an emotionally charged contest, helping to inspire their team to brilliant victory over the reigning premiers. 

One of the biggest roars of the night came midway through the third quarter, when Bailey Smith rose to the occasion and nailed a goal from the paint of 50, bringing the Cats fans to their feet. 

In his first Final in the Hoops, Smith said it was a night and a moment that he will remember forever. 

"I am still in awe at just how well they have welcomed me into the club and had my back," Smith said. 

"Always hearing the Cats fans, it is the best running out and hearing them have your back.

"It is why we play, so I am super grateful and it was a moment I won't forget."

Cats coach Chris Scott mirrored the thought during his post game press conference. 

"I have been at the Cats for a while, but I don't think I have heard our crowd as engaged as they were," Scott said. 

"Even in the box which is pretty well insulated, we could tell that the crowd was up and about."

He has proven to be a big game player since the moment he entered the league and Smith showed that in spades on Friday night, helping the Cats midfield to get on top in a crucial part of the game. 

The superstar on-baller finished with 22 disposals, four clearances and a goal, but he was also able to have an impact forward of the ball recording five inside 50s and six score involvements. 

Smith was an important piece to the midfield puzzle for Geelong, who won the clearance battle against Brisbane for the first time since Round 4 of the 2022 season. 

Knowing the strengths of the Lions on-ballers, Smith said that the Cats had a clear plan in place and were able to execute on the night. 

"We just tried to be physical on them and not let them get goal side," Smith told Cats Media. 

"They spit away from the contest early, so just seeing it through and trusting each other to get the job done. We were lucky enough to be able to do that and hopefully we can do it again in two weeks time. 

"Lots of boys played out of their skin and played their role, so it is a privilege to be a part of it.

"I know everyone will say it, but we have got two more to win so we will just move onto the next one."