Graham lifts Cats to victory over Power - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Graham lifts Cats to victory over Power

22/02/2004 05:12:43 AM Comments (0)

Former Geelong captain Ben Graham put his long-kicking prowess to full effect with a vital nine-pointer in the Cats' 20-point victory over Port Adelaide in the AFL Wizard Cup.

After being overshadowed in the first half by Chad Cornes, Graham lifted after the long interval at centre half-forward as the Cats won 2.10.7 (85) to 1.8.8 (65).

He kicked two third-quarter-goals as Geelong reeled in the Power's early advantage in the match which was played in hot, humid conditions at Bundaberg Rum Stadium.

Then, with Geelong holding a slender five-point lead midway through the last term, Graham unloaded a bomb from outside the 50m arc after he had pressured opponent Matthew Bishop to kick out on the full.

It was the Cats' second "super goal" of the night after an earlier long-range effort from Darren Milburn.

Graham later iced the victory with another long goal from a set shot in a promising start to a season where he is set to play permanently as a key forward.

The Cats now progress to the Wizard Cup quarter-finals next week while Port Adelaide - the pre-season champion in 2001 and 2002 - will head to the practice match circuit.

The Power were held scoreless in the final quarter after leading by as much as 18 points earlier in the game.

Skipper Matthew Primus was prominent in the ruck and up forward after recovering from a knee injury which ruined his 2003 season.

Adam Kingsley was also among the Power's best and kicked their only nine-pointer of the night.

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