- Hartlett battles on after head clash
Hamish Hartlett's night looked over when he was floored in a collision with Patrick Dangerfield in the second quarter. The defender was bleeding from the head and was stretchered from the field in a blow for the home side. But the 27-year-old surprised many by starting the second half on the field. He collected 17 possessions after the sickening blow.
- Motlop fails to fire against old team-mates
It is the game Steven Motlop would have pencilled into his calendar when he made the move from Geelong to Alberton during the off season. But the 27-year-old failed to make an impact against his old club going goalless and collecting just 11 possessions. A fumble in the fourth quarter when the game was slipping away was reflective of his night and he'll just be glad he's put the Geelong match behind him.
- Thomas causes headaches in Power debut
Lindsay Thomas was a late replacement for Port forward Todd Marshall who is recovering from concussion – now another concussion could see him leave the side just as suddenly. The Match Review Officer is sure to scrutinise an ugly collision at the 22nd minute mark of the second quarter. The ball was up for grabs on the wing but the former Kangaroo chose to bump Scott Selwood rather than hunt the ball. Selwood walked from the ground, but a concussion test minutes later saw the 28-year-old head to the back of the bench. He then cleaned up Jack Henry in the third quarter in Port's forward 50 with that incident set to be reviewed as well.
- Late inclusion delivers big performance
George Horlin-Smith would have been eyeing off a seat in the coaches box, and perhaps a meal, when he got the latest of call-ups for the match. Tom Hawkins pulled out of Geelong's line-up with back spasms during the warm-up. The 25-year-old took the opportunity with both hands and was one of the Cats' best. A roving goal by Horlin-Smith in the fourth quarter all but killed off the contest and there is every chance he will maintain his place in the side for round six.
- Cats Power control continues
Geelong has proven Port Adelaide's bogey side for more than a decade, with their dominance spanning back to the breakthrough grand final win in 2007. The Cats have now won 14 of their past 15 encounters including their last three at the Adelaide Oval. Coach Chris Scott says Port's home ground holds no fears for them, claiming the venue has similar dimensions to the Cattery.
