Applied pressure up forward and kicked two goals, finding space up and down the ground. He does the basics better and for longer than most. Took a great mark and kicked an important goal in the second quarter. Bartel is an undersized forward who continued to punch above his weight ending the game with 20 disposals and six tackles.

 

Multi-purpose type who played on the wing, in defence and pinch-hit in the ruck but did not look dangerous often. Broke even with whoever he manned up on but could not use his run to enough effect to influence the contest as he might have hoped. Won 10 contested possessions and kicked a goal. 

 

Came into the game in the second quarter, winning the ball around the stoppages and using his agility and strength to find space. However his possessions did not have enough impact to make his game stand out. He was clean and brave and competed hard. Spent time on Jordan Lewis.

 

Struggled for touch early in the game, which limited his influence when the Cats were on top. He certainly didn't fail to perform but he just could not find enough space to do the type of damage he has shown himself capable of. Looked worried at times when left one out in the backline.

 

A brilliant start from the master defender who pushed hard out of the back half to create run off the wing. He had to go back to quell Luke Breust and did a fine job in that regard. Dropped a mark in the third quarter, which handed Jack Gunston a goal on a platter and struggled to win uncontested possessions after half-time but was one of Geelong's better players. He had 22 disposals and remains a warrior.

 

Bad decision after a long run out of defence gifted Hawthorn a goal late in the first quarter, which was disappointing for the team. He did a good job on Jordan Lewis, trying to remain tight in the stoppage and then create offensive run. Was tough and relatively potent. Did his job.

 

Won battle of strength twice early against Lake but spilt the mark and did not have a disposal at quarter-time. Missed a set shot late in the second quarter after finally marking then kicked his first goal after receiving a debatable free kick in the third quarter. He finished with just one goal and one mark inside 50 and was occasionally caught behind. It was just not his night.

 

Began to win the ball in tight in the second quarter and showed promise in that area but is still yet to take a game by the scruff of the neck. He had 11 contested possessions and was an important factor in the Cats breaking even at the stoppages and in the centre clearances. He was one of Geelong's better players.

 

Began forward but was quickly in the middle. His touch was off early but he had nine disposals in the first quarter and looked capable of tearing the game apart. However he went quiet after quarter-time, winning just eight disposals in the final three quarters and only kicking a consolation goal. Played like his foot injury was troubling him and was occasionally too smart by half with his decisions.

 

Kelly had an average game in defence, particularly given his high standards. Left his opponent Paul Puopolo free once in first quarter and conceded a goal and was well and truly occupied all night with his opponent. Just two tackles and failed to have an influence.

 

Very good defender all night taking six marks and keeping Jack Gunston under a tight hold for most of the game. Gunston escaped late to kick three goals but Lonergan could not have done much more. The reliable defender's only mistake came when he was pushed forward briefly in the last quarter in desperation and missed a set shot.

 

Disappointing night for one of the game's best defenders. He was kept busy in defence as the Hawks managed to gain deep inside 50 entries and Mackie could not peel off and create play. It was a tough, uncharacteristically quiet night for the veteran, who had just nine disposals.

 

Unfortunately for the Cats, McIntosh was exposed defensively with David Hale able to push forward and kick a vital goal early in the second half. Unfortunately McIntosh was forced into a reactive position for most of the game and looked to run out of puff when forced to repeat run. He was subbed out early in the last quarter.

 

Struggled to find time and space to explode from the contest and even when he won a one-on-one he would run into another Hawthorn player. Took a knock early in the second quarter and was not able to have the influence the Cats would have hoped he could. Disappointing when defensive pressure was required.

 

Came into the game in the second quarter, finding some space and using his penetrating left foot. He managed to kick a huge goal late in first half after scrambling his way out of a stoppage. He had just three disposals in the second half and needs to learn from the experience.

 

He looked good in the first half but became less able to dictate terms when forced to play on Jarryd Roughead after Harry Taylor moved forward. A good mark and competitive one-on-one he struggles in congestion. 

 

The best player on the ground kept the Cats in the game. He finished with three goals, kicking a goal in each of the first three quarters and setting up Mark Blicavs in the final quarter for a goal. Selwood finished with 31 disposals, including 16 contested possessions, nine centre clearances and six tackles. It was another huge game from a champion player.

 

Stokes had a quiet first half receiving 10 handballs and not taking a mark. Looked troubled at times by an ankle injury but began to have a greater say in the second half finishing with 27 disposals and five marks. Tried hard.

 

Such an important player but was quiet in the first half, using his ability to read the player to cover opponents rather than win the ball back off the opposition. Important positioning but did not intercept as often as usual. He was pushed forward in the second half as the Cats tried to find another avenue to goal.  He finished the game with just three marks, a low tally for a player who averages 6.8 marks per game.

 

Started as the substitute and came on in the final quarter as the game was slipping away and failed to have much of an impact. Will benefit from the experience.

 

Excellent first half showing his recent form was no illusion. Didn't only show he still had the ability to give and go and make sweeping runs through the middle but was very good in the contest. However he dropped off in the second half, as he was unable to maintain the running pressure.

 

Kicked a goal on the half-time siren after taking three big marks in the first half and looked on track to be revelation. Has a strong pair of hands but he does not do the basics as well as he needs to in order to become reliable in finals. Dropped a couple of lead-up marks in the second half to undo some of his good work in the first half. Battled hard.