Geelong is the 2011 AFL premier after beating Collingwood by 38 points in a grand final for the ages at the MCG today.
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The Cats trailed by 18 points during the second quarter and were still down at half-time, but a Tom Hawkins-inspired second half steered the Cats to a 18.11 (119) to 12.9 (81) win before a crowd of more than 99,000.
The victory was Geelong's third premiership in five seasons, to go with its 2007 and 2009 triumphs, and a ninth overall. It also elevated legend status on Chris Scott, who took Geelong to a premiership in his debut coaching season.
In contrast, Collingwood's Mick Malthouse ended his 28-year coaching career on the losing side, although his side - which was chasing back-to-back premierships - was far from disgraced.
Both sides produced a stirring first half before the Cats kicked away, initially through Hawkins' three goals in the third quarter and the inspiration of midfielder Jimmy Bartel, who was awarded the Norm Smith Medal for best afield.
Steve Johnson also had a telling impact after suffering a knee injury last week, as he finished with four goals including the sealer with about six minutes left.
Geelong's win also came despite the early loss of key forward James Podsiadly, who was subbed out of the game in the second quarter when he landed heavily and badly injured his right shoulder.
The Age