The Cats' desperately hard-fought 12.8 (80) to 9.14 (68) grand final win over St Kilda at the MCG could not have been further from the record 119-point thrashing of Port Adelaide they romped to on grand final day two years ago.

But, together, they make the Cats one of football history's great teams, after missing out with a shock loss to Hawthorn in last year's grand final.

''There was a lot of pressure from everybody expecting us, saying if we only won one out of three it's not good enough,'' coach Mark Thompson said.

But for much of yesterday's encounter, the Cats looked unlikely victors.

St Kilda dominated in general play, with only a series of poor shots at goal keeping Geelong in touch, with the minor premier just seven points clear at the last change when it should have been well ahead. That was still a handy break in difficult wet conditions and with both teams severely fatigued by a ferocious first three quarters.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times