GEELONG huffed and puffed and eventually saw off the challenge of Brisbane by 10 points in a gripping contest at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.

Trailing by a point at the final change, the Cats kicked two goals to one in the fourth quarter to win 11.14 (80) to 11.4 (70) in front of a raucous home crowd.

Tom Hawkins was the hero for the victors, kicking five goals, including the match-sealer late in the last term.

He waged an engrossing duel with Marcus Adams, who was among the Lions' best with his intercept marking, but Hawkins delivered when it mattered most.

Was Marcus Adams Our Game Changer? Vote For Him Here

08:00

Zorko: "We know there's a power of work to get done"

Dayne Zorko chats to media after the reigning premiers's first day of preseason training.

Incredibly, the first half saw a total of 13 goals, but neither team could string two together consecutively as they traded blows.

Brisbane will lose no admirers from the match, despite losing its 13th straight contest at the venue.

00:38

Good mark and finish from Rayner

Cam Rayner adds one to the highlight reel with this super leap and resulting shot.

Dan McStay was magnificent in defeat, kicking three goals from his 14 disposals and 11 marks.

O'Connor and Neale meet again

From the moment Mark O'Connor was selected to replace his rested skipper Joel Selwood, it was clear he'd tag Lachie Neale. Last year the Irishman did a wonderful job in quietening the Brownlow medallist both times they squared off, but Neale was ready this time. After a quiet start, the Lions ball-winner had seven disposals by quarter-time and 13 by the half, most of his work done close to the contest. He finished with a match-high 30 for the night, that included 11 clearances, to take the points.

Battle of the big forwards

If you like watching big forwards go to work, this was the match for you. While Hawkins (5.3) was making the most of his chances at one end, Dan McStay and Joe Daniher were keeping the Lions in the contest at the other. Each Lion kicked three goals and combined for 18 marks between them. It was one of McStay's best games in Brisbane colours, particularly considering the hostile environment.

Cockatoo reported in return to Cattery

This was Nakia Cockatoo's first visit back to Geelong since he left the Cats 18 months ago and it's fair to say it was a mixed bag. After a quiet first half, the powerful Lion started the third quarter with a contest against Rhys Stanley. With the ball in dispute, the pair came together with Stanley falling backwards. Cockatoo was reported for rough conduct and now faces a nervous wait to see if he'll be cited by the Match Review Officer.

 

GEELONG       2.2       7.6       9.8       11.14 (80)

BRISBANE     2.2       6.3       10.3     11.4 (70)

 
GOALS  
Geelong: Hawkins 5, Bews, Cameron, Dahlhaus, Narkle, Smith, Stengle

Brisbane: Daniher 3, McStay 3, Cameron 2, Fullarton, Rayner, Starcevich

 
BEST  
Geelong: Smith, Hawkins, Tuohy, Blicavs, Duncan, Dangerfield

Brisbane: McStay, Neale, Adams, Daniher, Andrews, Rich

INJURIES  
Geelong: Narkle (ankle)

Brisbane: Nil

LATE CHANGES

Geelong: Esava Ratugolea (ankle) and Tom Stewart (gastro) replaced in selected side by Quinton Narkle and Gryan Miers

Brisbane: Nil

SUBSTITUTES  
Geelong: Zach Guthrie (replaced Narkle in the third quarter)

Brisbane: Deven Robertson (unused)