The Cats lost key forward James Podsiadly to injury half-way through the second term whilst facing a 16-point deficit, but managed to battle their way to a tense 18.11 (119) to 12.9 (81) victory on the back of tremendous performances by Tom Hawkins and Norm Smith medallist Jimmy Bartel.
The triumph hands Geelong its ninth VFL/AFL premiership just a season after being discounted as an AFL contender following an unceremonious thrashing by the Pies in the 2010 preliminary final and the subsequent departures of superstar midfielder Gary Ablett and mentor Mark Thompson.
But under new coach Chris Scott, a talented list laden with now three-time premiership stars (a first for any Geelong player) regrouped with a much-needed injection of youth to lose just three games on its way to the 2011 flag.
"It's just credit to the group, their belief and strength and character is unbelievable," Cameron Ling told Channel 10 after captaining the oldest premiership-winning side in 67 years.
"I feel I am honoured and lucky to be playing with these guys. I'm playing with some of the greatest players of all time.
"They're just mentally tough. They're so competitive, they never give up and have that inner belief that they can do it."
Scott, a two-time premiership player with the dominant Brisbane Lions side in the early 2000s, becomes the first coach to win a flag in his debut season since Alan Joyce achieved the feat with Hawthorn in 1988.
In contrast, AFL icon Mick Malthouse was denied a fairytale chance to hoist a fifth premiership trophy in his final game as a senior coach and announced he will not be part of Collingwood in any position in 2012.
BRAD OTTENS - 74
Mr September once again enhanced his reputation. Should play on next year and only bother turning up to the club in August. Couldn't get out of his own way at the end such was his output which included 31 hitouts.
CAMERON LING - 85
Dane Swan got another tattoo he didn't want yesterday - one of the Cats skipper. That's an indication of the job Ling did on the Brownlow medallist. Inspirational with the final goal of the game the perfect cream on the cake.
JOEL COREY - 74
Not spectacular and had a tough time early on Pendlebury, but the stats sheet tells the story of his worth - 25 touches which included 16 contested possessions.
JOEL SELWOOD - 92
You know all the superlatives that have been used previously on this superstar, well, double them. And what about the queue of women wanting to marry him now, it will stretch from the West Gate Bridge to Kardinia Park.
JIMMY BARTEL - 95
Two words come to mind on behalf of JB to the All-Australian selectors - Up Yours! They didn't have him in the best 40 in the game. Changed the game in the second half and will go down as one of the best big-game players ever.
ANDREW MACKIE - 87
Unloved this time last year and out of the side. Lots of love this year. Played wing and half-back with the incredible poise. Watch for him at Flemington in November, will be unstoppable.
JOSH HUNT - 67
Was solid, much like his body shape. Had some nervous moments in the air but did not have a goal kicked on him all day and was tough over the hard balls when required.
MATTHEW SCARLETT - 81
Already has the pipe and slippers waiting out for him in the next Geelong team of the century. Monstered Alan Didak. Hard to think of a more influential playing figure in the Cats extraordinarily dominant rum.
TOM LONERGAN - 83
Has officially become the poster boy for all those who have lost a major organ after his heroics shutting down Travis Cloke from the second term onwards. Can only imagine the workout his remaining kidney will cop during celebrations.
COREY ENRIGHT - 69
Helped silence Andrew Krakouer when the Pies' forward looked his most dangerous in the second term and kept Jarryd Blair to one touch. Wasn't as clean with the ball as he usually is but still earnt the right to wear whetever weird fur hat he wanted last night.
HARRY TAYLOR - 66
Brought back memories of his matchwinning mark in the 2009 Grand Final with another aerial gem to snuff out the Pies' last roll of the dice. Thrashed by Trav Cloke early but did not give Chris Dawes a sniff in the second half.
DAVID WOJCINSKI - 65
If he bows out, it wasn't a bad note. Pulled out the switchblade on the rebound with those slicing runs from defence. Only blemish was that he was on Andrew Krakouer when he caught fire. Could be last game.
JAMES KELLY - 70
Says a bit about him that while he wasn't having a great day, still contributed with an incredible 13 tackles. One of the main reasons why Cats got to the big dance and will be one to watch on Mad Monday.
MATHEW STOKES - 68
Had hero presented to him on a platter but unfortunately couldn't kick straight. Created heaps of chances but one goal probably didn't do justice to his work.
ALLEN CHRISTENSEN - 69
Do yourself a favour and go and look at the little man's hanger in the third quarter. Beat two Pies on the wing and then got the ball forward for where the Tomahawk goaled.
PAUL CHAPMAN - 70
Didn't provide the shining moments of '09, but offered as much grunt as the Vanessa Amorosi national anthem in a brutal midfield battle. Was critical in the clinches as the Cats forced the ball forward.
JAMES PODSIADLY - 26
The Cats' former warm-up supervisor gets a premiership medal, but he won't have the fondest memories. Blanketed by Tarrant before suffering a game-ending shoulder injury 14 minutes into the second quarter.
TRENT WEST - 55
Plucked a couple of big marks, racked up more than 20 hitouts and was a valuable foil for Brad Ottens.
STEVE JOHNSON - 88
Cooler than the other side of your pillow. Couldn't walk on Monday - walking on water yesterday. Was the game's leading disposal winner after 30 minutes, led Harry O'Brien all over the 'G and was typically freakish in front of goal. A simply stunning performance.
TOM HAWKINS - 89
Denis Pagan likened this kid to Tony Lockett four years ago. Plugger he ain't, but he is growing up before our eyes. Played all over Ben Reid like he'd walked in off the street. Gave a contested marking exhibition that sent the Cats on their way. Could have kicked six.
TRAVIS VARCOE - 78
The national anthem was still ringing around the 'G when he kicked the opening goal. Then followed up with a second four minutes later. He was clean, precise, took his chances and delivered on the big stage.
MITCH DUNCAN (sub) - 50
Impact wasn't huge but when his big moment came, the young workhorse iced a telling goal from 50m midway though the third term. Copped a knock late but soldiered on.
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