Geelong’s Anzac Day Disappointment and Blicavs’ Injury Update
Geelong faced a shocking 30-point defeat at the hands of Port Adelaide during an Anzac Day clash at Adelaide Oval. Despite the loss, the team is relieved that versatile veteran Mark Blicavs has avoided a serious knee injury.
Port Adelaide secured a surprising victory with a score of 13.17 (95) to 10.5 (65). The win was highlighted by Jason Horne-Francis, who recorded a career-high 34 disposals, along with two goals and 12 clearances. Mitch Georgiades also played a crucial role, managing 10 shots at goal for 4.6.
Coach Chris Scott expressed optimism regarding Blicavs’ injury, stating that the player had damaged a lateral ligament in his left knee but could recover quickly. “They are hopeful it’s not serious,” Scott said. “He was pretty upbeat as well, but he’s – you know the Monty Python skit, he could have his arm chopped off and he’d still be positive about it, he’s that kind of guy.”
The Power now sit at three wins and four losses, while the Cats remain at four wins and three losses. The victory was fueled by a strong performance from Horne-Francis, Jordon Sweet, and Zak Butters, who all contributed significantly to the win.
Corey Durdin added two goals to the Power’s tally, while coach Carr praised the team’s game plan and confidence. “We’ve obviously been building with our game plan and confidence, so super rapt for the players to play in a game like that and get the result,” he said.
On the other side, Geelong’s Bailey Smith was impressive with 30 disposals, and Jeremy Cameron managed to slot three goals despite being well held by Lachie Jones. Shannon Neale also contributed with two goals.
Captain Patrick Dangerfield had only four disposals, which marked the second-lowest tally in his 363-game career, but coach Scott confirmed that the Brownlow Medal winner wasn’t carrying an injury.
Geelong started strongly, with prime movers Smith and Max Holmes (25 touches) and Cameron booting two goals, leading 24-9 after 20 minutes. However, the momentum was disrupted by Blicavs’ injury, which occurred when he hyperextended the lateral ligament in his left knee while swinging a kick that met Port’s Butters body.
After losing the 301-gamer, the Power’s Georgiades took the spotlight, kicking 2.4 for the quarter. Ruckman Sweet also delivered a stunning checkside as Port rallied to a six-point quarter-time lead, 4.6 to 4.0.
Georgiades continued his hot streak in the second term, scoring 3.5 and giving Port a 13-point buffer. The Power maintained their advantage into halftime, 7.8 to 6.1, with Georgiades’ eight shots at goal being the most in a half this season.
Playing in front of a 41,164-strong crowd, Port struggled in the third quarter, managing just 2.7 to 1.2, but they extended their lead to 24 points going into the final quarter.
Horne-Francis made an immediate impact with the opening goal inside a minute. When Georgiades, whose only issue was inaccurate shooting, potted his fourth major soon after, the Power were on track for one of the shock victories of the season.
