Geelong has finally secured its first win of the season but the four points came at a cost, with Jimmy Bartel, Mathew Stokes and Tom Lonergan all injured during Sunday’s nine-point victory against Gold Coast at Simonds Stadium.
The Cats trailed by 12 points at half-time, but booted six goals in 22 minutes in the third term, and then hung on for dear life as the SUNS made all the running in the final quarter, to record a desperately needed 16.9 (105) to 13.18 (96) victory.
With the contest going down to the wire, it was versatile big man Mark Blicavs who stepped up to kick a booming goal from outside 50 with just 30 seconds left on the clock, ensuring the Cats got over the line.
In a match played in cold and soggy conditions, it was Geelong skipper Joel Selwood who inspired his side to a momentous victory.
Selwood collected a game-high 38 disposals, to go along with 12 clearances, six tackles, six inside 50s and a goal in a sensational individual performance.
This was not a performance featuring the polish Geelong has typically demonstrated in recent times, but rather a tough grind for a win that just had to happen.
Geelong was sluggish in the first half, affording the SUNS far too much space around the ball, and it was made to pay the price.
Even without skipper Gary Ablett (shoulder), SUNS midfielders Dion Prestia (29 disposals) and Michael Rischitelli (26) had a field day through the centre in the first half.
Gold Coast defender Trent McKenzie - who was dropped by coach Rodney Eade after the SUNS' listless round-one loss to Melbourne - also played a big role on Cats danger man Steve Johnson.
Eade said his side's effort was vastly improved compared to its first two rounds against Melbourne and St Kilda.
"For the bulk of the day I was really pleased with their effort. We were heavily criticised and justifiably so, but the players really responded," Eade said.
"But that's what we've got to base (our game) on and that's what we've preached from the start."
Tall forward Josh Walker - a late replacement for Tom Hawkins, who was a late withdrawal pre-game - took his chance to boot four goals in an impressive display for the Cats.
Veteran James Kelly also stepped up in a big way throughout the game, personified by his gut-busting chase in the dying minutes to prevent a certain Matt Shaw goal that would have put the SUNS in front.
GEELONG 5.3 7.6 13.8 16.9 (105)
GOLD COAST 6.5 8.12 9.15 13.18 (96)
GOALS
Geelong: Walker 4,Caddy 2, Gregson 2, Motlop 2,Clark, Lang, Thurlow, Johnson, Selwood, Blicavs
Gold Coast: Lynch 3, Martin 3, Matera 2, Rischitelli, Hall, Garlett, Day, Miller
BEST
Geelong: Selwood, Kelly, Enright, Walker, Blicavs, Gregson
Gold Coast: Rischitelli, McKenzie Lynch, Bennell, Prestia,
INJURIES
Geelong: Bartel (knee), Stokes (ankle), Lonergan (head)
Gold Coast: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Nakia Cockatoo replaced Jimmy Bartel (knee) in the first quarter
Gold Coast: Matt Shaw replaced Daniel Gorringe in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Bannister, Stephens, McInerney
Official crowd: 20,813 at Simonds Stadium
