GEELONG has come from behind to notch a thrilling one-point win against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, taking the lead for the first time all day in the final minute.
The Cats came from 32 points down late in the third quarter, kicking six of the last seven goals to steal the win 17.10 (112) to 17.9 (111) on Sunday afternoon.
Having trailed all day, the Cats pushed into attack with little over a minute remaining, with George Horlin-Smith putting his head over the ball and drawing a high tackle from North ruckman Braydon Preuss.
The midfielder converted his set shot from 45m, giving the Cats a lead that they hung on to desperately in the final seconds to start their season 2-0.
Talking points: Roos tackle shortcomings as stars shine
It was heartbreak for the winless Kangaroos, who looked like prevailing from the outset, but went into their shells in the final quarter when the game was on the line, kicking just 1.1 in the last term.
Despite having their impact limited for three quarters, Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield and captain Joel Selwood sparked the final quarter comeback.
Dangerfield won 11 of his game-high 37 possessions in the final term, also winning five clearances after being relatively well contained by North midfielder Trent Dumont for three quarters.
Selwood had 11 of his 26 touches after three-quarter time, finishing with an equal game-high nine inside 50s and a team-high seven tackles.
Trailing by 25 points at the final change, the Cats played with desperation not seen often through the proceeding three quarters, with Darcy Lang's running goal from 50m bringing scores level after 17 minutes.
North Melbourne responded through Marley Williams 23 minutes into the term, but the Kangaroos were unable to hold on, with Preuss's clumsy tackle on Horlin-Smith costly.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said the win was "a story around perseverance rather than anything mercurial or tactically brilliant".
"We had a big portion of our team that was probably beaten on the day, but they were still fighting towards the end," Scott said.
"That is a reflection of the way the senior players were encouraging them to keep believing and keep staying in it ... they hung in."
As well as their star midfield pairing, the Cats were well-served by forward Daniel Menzel, who kicked four goals including a crucial set shot in the fourth quarter that cut the margin to six points.
Key forward Tom Hawkins also booted four goals in an even battle with Robbie Tarrant, but the big Cat was undisciplined at times and gave away five free kicks.
A key move for the Cats was moving Harry Taylor from the forward line into defence during the third quarter after an ineffective two-and-a-half quarters in attack.
The All Australian was influential behind the ball, while defenders Zach Tuohy and Andrew Mackie got better late in the game and sparked run out of defence.
North Melbourne midfielder Shaun Higgins (27 possessions, nine inside 50s and two goals) was best on ground, having set up the Kangaroos' early lead.
He, like his team, faded in the fourth quarter, however, as the Cats' momentum gathered.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said it was a difficult result for the players and coaches, but there was a lot for the team to be encouraged by.
"We've just got to work on a number of things and probably the one that stands out the most is just icing the game when you're in control," the coach said.
"We didn't do that well enough and we knew what we were going to get from a really capable Geelong side and they didn't disappoint us."
Geelong started the game in a slumber after their round one trip to Perth, allowing North Melbourne to slice through them with the ball and kick five of the first six goals.
The Kangaroos were also harder at the contest and more switched on defensively, laying 18 tackles to six in the first quarter and setting the trend for the match.
The danger man was Higgins, who went inside 50 five times in the first term and set alarm bells off in the Cats' coaches box when he converted on the run from 50m late in the first quarter.
Geelong was also being beaten in the ruck, despite the late withdrawal of North star Todd Goldstein, with replacement Preuss throwing his weight around at stoppages.
The aggressive big man gave North a significant aerial advantage – going on to win the hit-outs 54-21 against Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs – but he is likely to be sidelined for one match after a crude knee in the back of Jackson Thurlow.
MEDICAL ROOM
Geelong: The Cats appeared to come through unscathed.
North Melbourne: Jy Simpkin was troubled during the second quarter for what appeared to be a left hip injury, but played through with no issues. Big man Majak Daw also received attention on the sidelines for a minor knee complaint, while Jack Ziebell played on after a heavy knock in the third quarter. Brad Scott indicated ruckman Todd Goldstein was all but certain to return in round three.
NEXT UP
Geelong hosts Melbourne at Etihad Stadium next Saturday afternoon, the first time the teams have clashed at the venue. North Melbourne plays the first of its three 'home' games at Blundstone Arena for the season, facing Greater Western Sydney on Saturday.
GEELONG 2.1 7.6 12.7 17.10 (112)
NORTH MELBOURNE 6.2 8.6 16.8 17.9 (111)
GOALS
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Menzel 4, Horlin-Smith 2, Parfitt, Thurlow, Duncan, Dangerfield, Henderson, Blicavs, Lang
North Melbourne: Brown 3, Higgins 2, Thomas 2 , Turner 2, McDonald, Daw, Dumont, Gibson, Macmillan, Garner, Simpkin, Williams
BEST
Geelong: Dangerfield, Menzel, Selwood, Mackie, Tuohy
North Melbourne: Higgins, Cunnington, Preuss, Tarrant, Brown, Dumont, Hawkins
INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
North Melbourne: Todd Goldstein (ankle) replaced in the selected side by Braydon Preuss, Daw (knee)
Reports: Braydon Preuss (North Melbourne) for rough conduct on Jackson Thurlow (Geelong) in the second quarter
Umpires: Stevic, Hay, Pannell
Official crowd: 30,917 at Etihad Stadium
