Aliir Aliir – 5
Hyper-extended his knee in a marking contest against Geelong's Lincoln McCarthy right on quarter time after being very impressive in the first quarter. He sat on the bench with his leg iced for the remaining three quarters and looks in doubt for the Grand Final.
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Lance Franklin – 7
The champion set the game alight early, having nine disposals in the first quarter, kicking a goal and putting Steven Motlop on his backside. He ended with 19 disposals and two goals, but his job had been done by quarter-time when the Swans were eight goals up.
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Heath Grundy – 7
Had the job on Tom Hawkins and defeated him. After playing him tight enough to deny him marking opportunities he began to win more of the ball late in the game. His teammates helped him out at all times by double-teaming Hawkins who could not gain any separation.
Dan Hannebery – 8
The standard Hannebery performance meant he was tough and hard in tight and spread from stoppages at pace. He used the ball in close to release teammates, with 19 handballs.
Isaac Heeney – 8
Heeney was the most dynamic player on the ground in the first half, kicking a goal and laying a team-lifting tackle on Mark Blicavs immediately after quarter-time. Clean and classy, he uses the ball brilliantly and is a natural-born midfielder. Close to best on ground for the night.
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George Hewett – 5
Hewett went along for the ride but failed to have an influence. He had just 10 disposals from the wing and was relatively anonymous.
Kieren Jack – 7
His ferocity was unmatched and he was one of the game's most influential players. Laid eight tackles in the first half when the game needed to be won and hit congestion at pace to knock it over like a bowling ball. Didn't use the ball well but his impact was large and he had 13 tackles for the game.
Kieren Jack leads the victorious Swans off the MCG. Picture: AFL Photos
Zak Jones – 7
After not playing senior football for 10 weeks he had the first kick of the game and then remained composed throughout. Slotted into the defence, used the ball well and he had the leg-speed to run the ball out of defence. He rebounded the ball from defensive 50 15 times.
Josh Kennedy – 6
Had Scott Selwood for company and wasn't as dominant as he had been in the semi-final. Still managed 25 disposals and took the Cats' best run-with player with him. He did as much as he needed to do with 15 contested possessions.
Jeremy Laidler – 6
Did the job required across half-back, taking intercept marks or providing an extra number at the aerial contest. He is dependable and solid.
Jake Lloyd – 7
Did the job on Steve Motlop. The tough wingman/defender concentrates hard and links up play through the middle. He was relatively unobtrusive but still had 25 disposals and has the chance to revisit the big stage next week.
Ben McGlynn – 7
Kicked the first goal of game one minute in to set the Sydney Swans on their path. A very strong player, he looked desperate to play in his first premiership. His toughness gave Xavier Richards a goal in the second quarter. He was hard and strong.
Another good performance should get Ben McGlynn into his first Grand Final. Picture: AFL Photos
Harrison Marsh – 5
Inexperienced defender was not over-awed. He did not win much of the ball himself, but held his man and provided nuisance value as third man across to marking contests.
Tom Mitchell – 8
Was hard and tough early and his pirouette from a stoppage in the first quarter gave Luke Parker his first goal. He was close to best on ground in the first quarter, showing his class and brilliant hands in tight. Finished with 19 handballs and four clearances.
Sam Naismith – 6
Kicked a goal in the third quarter after running around in a circle in space to snap a beauty that kept the Cats at bay, and took a one handed mark in the last term. His leap and run were important although he didn't get a lot of the ball.
Tom Papley – 8
An outstanding small forward's game from Papley backing up his semi-final performance. He pick-pocketed Harry Taylor and slammed through a running goal from the 50-metre mark, as well as kicking two set shot goals after winning free kicks.
Tom Papley (right) is looking at a Grand Final in his first season. Picture: AFL Photos
Luke Parker – 7
The tough midfielder kicked two goals within the first 12 minutes, throwing any plans Geelong had to keep him in check. He hurt his foot in the third quarter but played out the game to ensure the job was done.
Dane Rampe – 8
Outstanding game from one of the competition's most improved players who completely dominated off half-back. He benefited from the high ball that was coming inside 50 and took 11 marks.
Xavier Richards – 5
Showed enough pace to worry Harry Taylor and drag him away from the action early. Only finished with one goal, but did his job as required.
Gary Rohan – 7
Incredible comeback given his season looked shot after he injured his knee in the semi-final. His aerial competitiveness and leap is underrated but proved as dangerous as his speed. Pounced on two turnovers to kick two goals that broke Geelong's heart.
Nick Smith – 8
He took an intercept mark in the opening minutes to demonstrate his intent, drifting in front of a pack to take a chest mark. Apart from dangerously flirting with the deliberate rule he did his job. One of the Swans' best on the night and is a super player.
Kurt Tippett – 7
He was quiet after kicking an early set shot goal, the beneficiary of a 'Buddy' assist. It was a brave performance, given his fractured cheekbone.
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