Geelong coach Mark Thompson sprang to Brad Ottens' defence last week, but on Friday the much-scrutinised big man's actions spoke even louder as he starred in a thrilling four-point AFL victory over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

It was the Cats' first victory in 14 interstate trips, with Geelong coming from behind at the last change to win 15.9 (99) to 15.5 (95) and build on the momentum it gained with last week's victory over Essendon.

Ottens was one of Geelong's best, particularly in the second half, when he played a vital role in the ruck in the third term, then stood strong with two vital goals in the last quarter, to give him three for the game.

His performance came on the back of plenty of public and media attention since his trading from Richmond over the off-season, which prompted Thompson to scream at the media to "leave him alone" after last week's win over the Bombers.

Geelong looked the better side for most of the first half, but three goals from Port star forward Warren Tredrea late in the half allowed the Power to steal a three-point lead at the long break.

The Power then looked like seizing control of the game when it controlled the midfield for the first 10 minutes of the third quarter, with Port ruckman Matthew Primus soundly beating Geelong youngster Paul Chambers in the ruck.

It allowed Peter Burgoyne and Kane Cornes to gather plenty of possession at ground level and helped Port kick the first 2.2 of the term and extend its lead to 17 points.

But, in keeping with the see-sawing nature of the game in the first half, in which the lead changed seven times, the Cats came back with the next four goals to again nose in front.

Ottens was the catalyst for the Geelong comeback, moving into the ruck and gaining the ascendancy over Primus, which helped midfielders Cameron Ling and Joel Corey to dominate late in the term.

Ling also snapped an important goal to spark Geelong's run, after breaking a Burgoyne tackle, with veteran Peter Riccardi putting the Cats in front 23 minutes into the third quarter after cleverly outmarking Cornes.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP