MARK Thompson said it best pre-game.
Asked his thoughts on Geelong players carrying a logo to signify reigning premier on their jumpers, the Cat coach quipped.
“You don’t have to tell people you’re good, you just show them you’re good.”
Three hours later Thompson’s men did just that.
Like a champion boxer, the Cats absorbed everything a pumped-up and motivated Port Adelaide had to give, jabbed its way out of trouble, then delivered a series of stunning blows from which the Power, despite a late surge, never truly recovered.
The final margin was only nine points, but it was a unanimous points decision to a side that was, in essence, on a hiding to nothing.
A win was expected. A loss would be welcomed by those inclined to the belief that the Cats were simply one-hit wonders.
In stark contrast Port Adelaide’s mission was simple.
Pre-game, assistant coach Jason Cripps was playing down the significance of the match from a revenge perspective, saying “no matter what happens we can’t bring back the premiership flag.” True enough.
But, you couldn’t help but think it would go a long way to eradicating the self-doubt and humiliation that lingered in the wake of last year’s record Grand Final defeat.
Such was the dedication and motivation post the Grand Final loss that no fewer than 35 of the Power’s 40-strong senior list ran personal best times for the 3km time-trial prior to Christmas.
While the players weren’t thinking revenge, Power fans were.
A pre-game show of well-drilled dancing girls on a backdrop of teal, white and black banners only heightened the expectation.
The game was all about restoring the club’s severely wounded pride for every Power fan that bothered to make it through the turnstiles. Only 28,206 did.
In contrast the Cats weren’t about salvaging pride, rather building on it.
If Thompson said it best pre-game, James Kelly did afterwards.
“It was hugely important for us to win this game to show we’re still hungry,” he said.
“Even though we won the flag last year we want to win as many (games) as we can this year to put us in the best position to win another one.”
Just like Port Adelaide, the memory of last year is driving the Cats in their title defence.
Kelly said the challenge for his side to was keep answering them.
“We just want to pride ourselves on accepting every challenge that gets thrown at us,” he said.
“That’s the challenge for us – to concentrate on meeting the challenges we face.”
And there will be many.
The Power’s second half midfield zone that severely restricted the Cats flow – and supplied a huge positive for the Power – was just a taste of what’s to come as oppositions plot a downfall.
Expect coaches to try exotic plans, methods and game styles to unsettle and hopefully unravel Thompson and his side.
But this Geelong team has more than just talent on its side.
It now has the nous, guile and cunning attributed to most champions.
Pinning the Cats in the ropes is one thing, finding a killer blow another.
