Gary Ablett – 6
Wearing the tag of Jason Akermanis for the early parts of the game, it took a little while for Ablett to work his way in. After half time, he showed glimpses of brilliance and orchestrated a number of crucial plays to keep Geelong in the lead.
Jimmy Bartel – 7
Started on the wing, but pushed forward to kick the Cats' second goal. In a match that saw wasteful disposal, the Brownlow Medallist had it right most of the time.
Mark Blake – 5
Looked awkward at stages but kept at it and did his chances of retaining his place for next week's grand final no harm. Will be the romance story of the week after his omission for 2007's triumph.
Joel Corey – 7
Had a massive first half and marshalled the Cats' midfield to a 21-point lead. Where there's a contested ball to be won, Geelong can put its faith in Corey.
Corey Enright – 5
Was a solid performer in a defence that kept the Bulldogs to just seven goals. Offered his trademark run and carry, which may have contributed to his cramp towards the end of the game.
Tom Harley – 6
As usual, was dependable in the backline. Provided a rare sight when a 50m penalty put him in scoring range in the second quarter – and he kicked just the 11th goal of his career.
Josh Hunt – 4
Hesitated deep in defence at times, which proved costly. Was moved onto Shaun Higgins and did OK.
Steve Johnson – 4
Had a quiet night by his standards. Ryan Hargrave probably got the better of him but he still kicked two goals.
James Kelly – 4
Played his first game since round 20 and, while he didn’t star, he did his bit and looked to benefit from the run.
Cameron Ling – 7
Did a terrific stopping job on Adam Cooney in the first half and finished the game with plenty of the footy himself.
Tom Lonergan – 4
Presented well up forward but was generally beaten in the air. Given his efforts all season in a return from serious injury, he will attract even more interest next week.
Andrew Mackie – 9
Had a superb game off half-back. Lifted considerably early in the second term, providing strong rebound, and troubled Robert Murphy for the rest of it.
Darren Milburn – 3
Was exposed by the Bulldogs in the first quarter when he lined up on Shaun Higgins. When he was moved off him, his contribution improved.
Cameron Mooney – 4
Started the game as a focus for his midfield but struggled with the attention of Dale Morris. Still managed to win the ball and kicked a goal to close the third term.
Brad Ottens – 5
Showed his ruck experience at crucial times and stretched opponents when drifting forward. His goal sense was obvious when he crumbed like a rover to goal in the second quarter.
Max Rooke – 5
Was hard at the contest and highlighted his worth as a mid-sized forward, finishing the game with two goals.
Matthew Scarlett – 6
Kept Scott Welsh right out of the game and made some signature dashes out of defence.
Joel Selwood – 7
Got his hands to the ball at the clearances and continues to impress as a player in just his second year.
Mathew Stokes – 3
Kicked the game's first goal in a tense opening and created Steve Johnson's first, but wasn't as damaging as he could have been.
Harry Taylor – 4
Looked out of sorts at times, as did a number of his teammates, but did enough to keep his spot in the team.
Travis Varcoe – 6
Involved in a few key passages of play early on. Pushed up the ground in the role of a link man, and did it quite well.
David Wojcinski – 5
Looked dangerous every time he got the footy on the flank. His first game since round 15, he backed his run and booming kick.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
