Despite an accidental hit on teammate Jeremy Cameron early in the game that shook up both players albeit in different ways, it was Geelong live wire Gary Rohan who emerged as the Cats' match winner according to coach Chris Scott. 

Rohan refocused after close friend Cameron was stretchered off to kick a game-high three goals in wet conditions, with Melbourne having no answer to his pace on fast breaks.

"The (wet) conditions made the game a bit of a slog at times, so it became a game of will as much of a game of method. I thought as the game went on, we adapted better. I thought they had control of that battle for a while," Scott said.

"We felt for big parts of the game, things were just going against us. When you lose one of your best players so early, certainly in those circumstances, it can put everyone on the back foot. 

"[Rohan's] approach and maturity to really attack the game – and if anyone won the game for us, it was him – and I'm really proud of him and others as well.

"He is so willing to play his role, and it's a role that's hard for some people on the outside to understand. I don't just mean on the field as well, the way he is around the club, he's someone I admire.

"I don't generally individualise – Tom Stewart was pretty good – so he had some competition, but to my eye, Rohan was the most dangerous player on the ground. Because he is the person he is, it did rattle him, and I respect him more for that, because he's not a sociopath, he's got some empathy for one of his best friends who he's accidentally knocked out."

Cameron will miss at least next week's Grand Final rematch with Sydney after being knocked out following the accidental collision and play was halted for seven minutes as Cameron was stretchered off the field at GMHBA Stadium.

The 30-year-old was conscious as he left the field and offered a thumbs-up to fans.

Scott was unable to give an update on the Coleman medallist's condition after the match but was hopeful it wasn't too serious.

"I don't really know (how Cameron is). He has been taken to hospital, and that can sound dramatic, but I haven't got an update yet. That'll come in time," Scott said.

"I certainly haven't had any indication that it's a horrible situation, but any time one of your players needs to be taken to hospital, even if it's for observation, (it) leaves us all a bit shaken."