CATS WIN VFL GRAND FINAL
Ben Jensen 24 September 2012

GEELONG'S VFL SIDE won the VFL Grand Final on Sunday, defeating Port Melbourne by 33 points at Etihad Stadium. The 2011 Premier Boroughs led at quarter and half time but the Cats pressed ahead to lead by six points at the final change before a four goal to one last quarter to seal victory. Best on ground was George Horlin-Smith, who kicked two goals and had 24 disposals to win the Norm Goss medal. The Cats' future and past shared in the victory, retiring David Wojcinski and likely departee Shannon Byrnes both playing their part along with skipper Troy Selwood. Youngsters Mitch Brown and Shane Kersten kicked crucial goals, as did the Big O, Orren Stephenson who slotted two almost identical goals from a set show in the second and final quarters.

The Cats also beat Port Melbourne in 2002 for their first modern-day VFL premiership, a side featuring the likes of Jimmy Bartel, Josh Hunt, Gary Ablett, James Kelly, Paul Chapman and Steve Johnson who of course went on to win AFL flags, Brownlow medals and oodles of All Australian selections. Joining Wojcinski in retirement was Simon Hogan who had a decent 20 disposals. Cats coach Matthew Knights was visibly emotional leading up to and after the final siren, and was lauded by player and official alike. A touching moment was Boroughs' coach and one-time Essendon colleague Gary Ayres congratulating Knights on the boundary line.

GEELONG 3.4, 6.10, 10.15 14.24 (108) DEFEATED
PORT MELBOURNE 4.2, 7.6, 10.9, 11.9 (75)

GOALS
GEELONG: S. Kersten 3, M. Brown 2, G. Burbury 2, O. Stephenson , J. Stringer , M. Corrigan , J. Simpkin, S. Byrnes , D. Gleeson , S. Hogan
PORT MELBOURNE: D. Galea 4, H. O'Farrell 2, W. Burstin 2, S. Dwyer , C. Cain , A. Bentick

BEST
GEELONG: G. Horlin-Smith, G. Burbury, O. Stephenson, D. Simpson, S. Byrnes, R. Bathie
PORT MELBOURNE: A. Bentick, S. Valenti, H. O'Farrell, S. Pleming, J. Baird, W. Burstin

CROWD: 14,536 Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Docklands