Geelong has survived one of the great comebacks of the season, holding off Port Adelaide in a 16.10 (106) to 14.10 (94) thriller at Adelaide Oval.
Port Adelaide’s season is still barely clinging to life as an outside chance of playing finals football, six points from eight with four points to go, but the Power didn’t play like that, particularly in the third quarter .
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The Cats led by 34 points at halftime and looked to be running away with a big win, but the third quarter changed everything.
Eight goals to one in a frantic third quarter saw Port Adelaide take a seven-point lead into the final quarter.
Although the Power held firm and even took a late lead, two goals to Tom Hawkins gave the Cats a cushion and the important four Premiership points.
“This is a beauty … When you have a game in this state, it’s as good as football,” Lyon said after the game on Fox Footy.
Lyon also called Port’s third quarter “unbelievable” but praised the Cats for holding firm.
“If you want to earn respect in this competition that is football, do what this team has been able to do here,” Garry Lyon told Fox Footy after Geelong’s final statement.
“You go eight goals to one in the third quarter at Adelaide Oval, where it’s absolutely thrilling against a team who are playing for their footballing lives, you rally and go out and score four goals to one in the last quarter.”
On social media, fans talked about the impressive match.
Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury tweeted: “Great viewing.”
Port Adelaide ambassador Matt Tarrant posted: “This hurts @PAFC. Absolutely gutting game for the neutrals.”
Freelance journalist Darren Parkin wrote: “What a fantastic game of football. “
ABC’s Sam Wilkinson added: “This is a good win, Port threw everything at them.”
Star Geelong veterans Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood each had just 10 possessions at three-quarter time but Tom Atkins played out of his skin to help drag his side over the line for a ninth straight win from Geelong.
Needing a win to keep their season alive, Port had willing contributors all over the pitch in an impressive display, with Ollie Wines, Travis Boak and Jeremy Finlayson prominent.
Mitch Georgiades took home a mark of the year contender in a tight finish, but was unable to add to his three goals when his deflected shot hit the post.
With Jason Phelan, NCA Newswire
Read related topics: Adelaide