Geelong midfielder Joel Corey says the Cats lost Friday night's AFL qualifying final to St Kilda in the first half, not the final minute.

The major talking point after the Saints' gripping 12.11 (83) to 11.13 (79) victory was the free kick paid to St Kilda defender James Gwilt with a minute to play after Cameron Mooney was deemed to have pushed him in the back.

The decision by umpire Matt Stevic meant that what appeared to be the match-winning goal from Cats captain Cameron Ling was disallowed.

Corey, who moved from midfield to defence in the second half to mind Saints dangerman Stephen Milne, admitted he thought Ling's goal would stand.

"But it's not just that (decision which decided the game)," said Corey.

"In the first half, we didn't start playing until we fell behind and you don't win games of football like that."

St Kilda led by as much as 33 points in the third quarter before Geelong launched their comeback at the MCG with their familiar brand of play-on football.

The loss now pitches them into a cut-throat semi-final next Friday night against either Hawthorn or Fremantle back at the MCG.

And if they are to claim a third flag in four years, the Cats will need to win three finals on the trot.

"We've just got to do it the hard way now," said Corey.

"We've got full confidence with the boys.

"It's not ideal but that's what we've got to do."

"We know that if we play the style of footy we played in the second half for four quarters we can win games of football."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP