GEELONG coach Mark Thompson says there was “a lot to like” about his side’s gritty nine-point win over Port Adelaide in Thursday night’s grand final rematch at AAMI Stadium.
Thompson credited Port with pushing his side after the Cats looked like running away with the game during a brilliant first half.
“The opposition were never going to roll over,” Thompson said after the match.
“They’re a pretty good outfit and to play them first up here and take the points you’d have to be happy.
“We would have loved to have played a better second half – we didn’t, which means we’ve got a lot of things we can work on.
“[But] there was a lot to like. To come away from here and get the points is a pretty good effort.”
Thompson dismissed concerns about his side’s fitness, and some uncharacteristic errors as players tired late in the match.
“We haven’t seen some of our players make mistakes like that for a long while. That was a bit frustrating, but I suppose you’ve just got to get used to it and accept it – it is round one.
“It was a fast game early, a lot of running. Some of our guys struggled a bit with their fitness in the second half but I don’t think there’s anything to get worried about. The longer we play the better we’ll get.”
The coach was particularly pleased with the efforts of his younger players, starting with Ryan Gamble.
“He’s had a fantastic pre-season. He played pretty solid tonight. Tom Hawkins was okay too. And with Westy (young ruckman Trent West), that’s three pretty young people in the side, playing interstate, and we beat a good side.
“It’s a great thing for Mark Blake to be number one ruckman at the club. It’s great for Westy to play his first game. That’s something we wanted to do, and we’ve done it in round one. We need to keep playing young people.”
Thompson also praised Gary Ablett, whose last-quarter goal and 10 inside 50s helped set the Cats on the course to victory.
“I thought he was fantastic. I love watching him play. He does some special things. To see great players play, we’re all very privileged.”
