The Cats were on top in general play but Eric Hipwood - who had the kicking yips - was threatening inside 50 while Joe Daniher lurked with intent.
Not even a 16-point lead at quarter-time could satisfy on edge Cats’ coach Chris Scott who made a beeline for the Lions huddle at the first break and entered into a verbal altercation with Daniher and Harris Andrews.
Such tension never left the match with the Lions unable to do damage on the scoreboard either side of quarter-time when they kicked six consecutive behinds while the Cats could not extend their lead as it hovered between 14 and 26 points for most of the next two quarters.
That it was just 20 at half-time was unlucky after Rohan played on as soon as he took a mark in the goalsquare to run into an open goal only to hear the siren go just before he kicked the ball meaning the Cats lead was not as large as they hoped.
The Lions kept coming with four last quarter goals and nearly had the game won but Geelong prevailed as they often do at home with a last minute goal.
Chris Scott loves a verbal
The Cats’ coach has a habit of making a point to an opposition huddle during big matches and he certainly wanted to enter into a discussion with a surprised Daniher at quarter time.
Best:Geelong: Selwood,Tuohy,Guthrie,O’Connor,Stewart,Stanley.Brisbane Lions: Hipwood,Zorko,Rich,Lyons
Votes:
Joel Selwood (Geelong) 8
Jarryd Lyons (Brisbane Lions) 7
Daniel Rich (Brisbane Lions) 7
Zach Tuohy (Geelong) 7
Cam Guthrie (Geelong) 7