Geelong have crashed to an upset 30-point loss to Port Adelaide, with their versatile veteran Mark Blicavs suffering a knee injury.
The Power, inspired by Jason Horne-Francis, logged first-year coach Josh Carr’s best win with a 13.17 (95) to 10.5 (65) Anzac Day triumph at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Geelong ace Blicavs damaged a lateral ligament in his left knee and could face an extended stint on the sidelines.
The Power move to three wins and four losses, while the Cats are four and three.
After an early 15-point lead, Geelong conceded 11 of the next 14 goals.
Port’s win was triggered by a dominant display from Horne-Francis, who amassed 34 disposals, two goals and a dozen clearances, and spearhead Mitch Georgiades, who had 10 shots at goal for 4.6.
Recruit Corey Durdin (two goals), ruckman Jordon Sweet (31 hit outs, one goal) and acting captain Zak Butters (30 possessions) were also standouts.
Geelong star Bailey Smith (30 disposals) was prolific, Jeremy Cameron slotted three goals but was largely well held by Lachie Jones, and Shannon Neale kicked two.
But captain Patrick Dangerfield had only four disposals – the second-lowest tally in his 363-game career.
The Cats, with prime movers Smith and Max Holmes (25 touches) busy and Cameron booting two goals, raced to a 24-9 break in 20 minutes.
But the strong opening was punctuated by Blicavs’ injury, hyperextending the lateral ligament in his left knee when he swung a kick that met Port’s Butters.
After Geelong lost the 301-gamer, the Power’s Georgiades soon stole the spotlight, kicking 2.4 for the quarter.
Ruckman Sweet also threaded a stunning checkside as Port rallied to a six-point quarter-time lead, 4.6 to 4.0.
The hot streak of Georgiades extended in the second term: 10 minutes in, he’d scored 3.5 and Port held a 13-point buffer.
The Power took that advantage into halftime, 7.8 to 6.1, with Georgiades’ eight shots at goal the most in a half this season.
Playing before a 41,164-strong crowd, Port logged an inaccurate 2.7 to 1.2 in the third quarter and took a 24-point break into the final quarter.
Horne-Francis added another highlight to his eye-catching game with the opening goal inside a minute.
And when Georgiades, whose only blemish was wayward shooting, potted his fourth major soon after, the Power were bound for one of the shock victories of the season.
