PORT Adelaide's bold selection shocks have sparked the Power into action, stunning ladder leader Geelong by 11 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

With their past two club champions, ruckman Paddy Ryder and swingman Justin Westhoff in the grandstand having been axed, the Power showed plenty of heart to emerge triumphant from an enthralling arm-wrestle, getting home – 9.13 (67) to 8.8 (56) – in front of a jubilant crowd of 37,726.

Rhys Stanley's goal with just over a minute on the clock set up a thrilling finish, but the Power defence held strong.

It's an important result in the context of the Power's season, moving back into the top eight and up to seventh on the ladder with a 7-6 record.

The Power caught the well-rested Cats – who have now lost their past eight games after the bye – at the perfect time coming off last week's break.

To rub salt into the wound, forward Gary Rohan was crunched by Karl Amon off the ball in the third quarter and didn't play the rest of the game.

Power utility Dougal Howard could also be in trouble for an off-the-ball strike on Cats veteran Harry Taylor, who was celebrating his 250th game.

Brownlow Medal contender Tim Kelly finished with just 17 disposals.

Patrick Dangerfield – fresh off becoming a father for the second time in the early hours of Friday morning – did his best to drag the Cats over the line, with 28 touches and a clutch goal.

Mitch Duncan was busy in the midfield with a game-high 35 disposals, Gary Ablett kicked two goals and Zach Tuohy and Tom Stewart provided drive out of defence.

But the Power had more winners across the ground.

Scott Lycett (24 disposals and 41 hitouts) was outstanding as the lone ruckman without having to share duties with Ryder.

Robbie Gray (two goals, 30 disposals) was best on ground, Travis Boak (30 disposals, 17 contested) wasn't far behind and key defender Tom Clurey won his battle with Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins, keeping him goalless.

Key forward Charlie Dixon made an impact in his first game in 316 days after a badly broken leg and ankle damage in last year's round 21 loss to West Coast.

Dixon only kicked one goal, but made his presence felt by crashing packs and bringing the ball to ground.

A couple of much-maligned players – Amon and Steven Motlop – played important roles on the outside.

Amon had 23 touches, including a beautiful pass by foot for a Sam Gray goal, while Motlop saved his best performance of the season against his former side.

It was the Power's first game at home in more than a month after travelling to Launceston, China and Perth.

They return to Adelaide Oval in a week to take on the Western Bulldogs, while the Cats have a six-day break before hosting Adelaide in a Friday night blockbuster.

MEDICAL ROOM
Port Adelaide: Kane Farrell sustained a knock to his nose, but came back on to the ground in the second quarter. Connor Rozee went off in the last quarter after copping a corkie to his leg.
Geelong: The Cats copped three quick injuries in the third quarter. Jack Henry copped a strong hit in the side from Hamish Hartlett in the third quarter and left the ground. Gary Rohan followed him shortly after a concussion and didn't play any further part in the game. Luke Dahlhaus was helped off with a shin injury, but he returned to the game.

NEXT UP

The Power spend a second straight week at home when they host the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval next Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Cats have a short six-day turnaround before completing their South Australian double-header when they entertain Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium next Friday night.

PORT ADELAIDE     3.4     6.5     7.9     9.13     (67)          
GEELONG                   1.2     3.4     6.6      8.8      (56)

GOALS
Port Adelaide: Rozee 2, R.Gray 2, Dixon, Wines, Burton, Farrell, S.Gray
Geelong: Fort 2, Ablett 2, Dangerfield, Kelly, Miers, Stanley

BEST
Port Adelaide: R.Gray, Boak, Lycett, Clurey, Houston, Amon, Burton
Geelong: Dangerfield, Duncan, Stewart, Tuohy, Parfitt

INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Nil
Geelong: Rohan (concussion)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Fisher, Rosebury, Gianfagna, Haussen

Official crowd: 37,726 at Adelaide Oval