GEELONG has spoiled triple-premiership star Steve Johnson's homecoming with a hard-earned 10-point win over Greater Western Sydney at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.
In an engrossing contest befitting third and fourth on the ladder, Geelong had to dig deep to outlast the visitors over a four-quarter slugfest, finally shaking off GWS and emerging 14.14 (98) to 14.4 (88) winners.
Coming off shock losses to Carlton and Collingwood, the Cats needed to bounce back and, despite some wastefulness in front of goal, got the job done to stay right in the hunt for a top-four spot.
Chris Scott's men registered their eighth win for the year, keeping their perfect record in four games at home.
After going down swinging against the Crows in Adelaide last week, the Giants were again gallant on the road, but couldn't quite make the most of the momentum when it swung their way.
There were eight lead changes, with GWS jumping to an 11-point lead at the first break but then falling behind by five at the long change as the Cats hit back.
Five talking points: Geelong v Greater Western Sydney
The Giants surged again in the third term, dragging themselves back off the canvas and closing to within two points at the last change after the Cats had gained the ascendancy with a tidal wave of inside 50s (76-48).
Coach Leon Cameron was proud of the never-give-in performance, but disappointed that when the match was on the line the Cats had the answers.
"Probably their will (got Geelong over the line), I suppose," Cameron said post-match.
"They did the right thing at the right time.
"I was proud that we hung in there, hung in there and hung in there and we still gave ourselves a massive chance in the last quarter.
"But again, we have some little brain-fades and don't do the right thing at the right time."
After being beaten by Phil Davis for most of the match, Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins booted two clutch goals in the last term and Daniel Menzel (three goals) stepped up with two majors, including the match-sealer at the 24-minute mark.
On his return to the Cattery, Johnson was a solid contributor and got into the action immediately, hitting a stoppage at pace and snapping a magnificent goal on the run from deep in the pocket to draw first blood.
The veteran wheeled away celebrating in front of a silenced Simonds Stadium crowd, who in a mark of respect didn't boo the ex-Geelong champion.
Johnson (19 disposals) couldn't add another major, though, with Toby Greene, Lachie Whitfield (three goals each) and endurance king Tom Scully (two goals) the main threats in front of goal.
Whitfield (28 disposals) was outstanding, while Dylan Shiel (32 disposals, one goal) and co-captain Callan Ward (22, one) went head-to-head in enthralling battles with Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood.
The Cats' superstars were equally important, with Selwood booting a critical late goal to go with 29 touches and Dangerfield producing the goods again with 32 possessions, but sidekick Cam Guthrie (27, two goals) again bobbed up when it counted.
Beaten early by Shane Mumford, Geelong ruckman Zac Smith (31 hit-outs, 10 clearances and a goal) bounced back with perhaps his best game for the club to help the Cats edge the critical midfield battle and secure four vital points on a greasy night.
"With the conditions, (it) made it hard to play the game the way both sides wanted to play. It became more of a scrap, even then the way they opened it up they are a very dangerous team, they are going to be hard to beat," Cats coach Chris Scott said.
"I think we really dominated territory, the inside 50s were heavily in our favour, I thought we were a little bit cleaner around the ball as the game went on, even the weight of numbers eventually started to show through."
MEDICAL ROOM
Geelong: Dan Menzel was crunched after Rory Lobb flew back with the ball and took a mark of the week contender in the second term but he was fine after a short breather on the bench. That was the only injury scare for the Cats, while Rhys Stanley (foot) is a chance to be back next week after being a late withdrawal.
Greater Western Sydney: Prolific defender Zac Williams needed attention on his knee in the first term but returned shortly after and played out the match. The Giants seemed to get through without any other issues.
NEXT UP
Both sides will be setting themselves for games with big ramifications for finals spots. The Cats face a crunch Saturday night clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, while GWS returns home for a blockbuster derby with the Swans on Sunday.
GEELONG 2.3 6.7 9.10 14.14 (98)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 4.2 6.2 10.2 14.4 (88)
GOALS
Geelong: Menzel 3, Guthrie 2, Kersten 2, Hawkins 2, Murdoch, Smith, McCarthy, Henderson, Selwood
Greater Western Sydney: Greene 3, Whitfield 3, Scully 2, Johnson, Steele, Shiel, Patton, Ward, Hopper
BEST
Geelong: Selwood, Smith, Henderson, Bartel, Guthrie, Dangerfield, Enright, Menzel
Greater Western Sydney: Shiel, Scully, Williams, Ward, Whitfield, Davis
INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Nicholls, Hay, Jeffery
Official crowd: 22,007 at Simonds Stadium
