Provided run and carry from the back half when he got the footy in his hands, but just nine possessions for the game meant he was one of North's less influential players.

 

Started as the sub for the second week running and came into the play for Jamie Macmillan in the third term. Finished with two disposals. 

 

Struggled to get into the game up forward. The athletic traits he displayed in his first three seasons are missing at the moment, and he needs an injection of confidence. Kicked a key goal in the third term, but North need him to stand up in a big way if the club is to progress to the Grand Final.

 

Went head to head against Harry Taylor. Had his moments, with his reach providing a few concerns for defenders. Came of age on the big stage last week, and will learn a lot from his second finals experience.

 

Won plenty of the pill around clearances, bullocking his way through traffic on a number of occasions. His clean hands in all sorts of clutter was crucial. Won 22 possessions and five clearances. A key figure in North's win.

Every Geelong player rated

 

Given plenty of space to wheel and deal and made the absolute most of it. His precise disposal was a feature and his superb goal, tucked up on a tight angle in the third quarter, was a moment to savour. One of North's best players on the night.

Opposed to Josh Caddy early on. A careless elbow into the head of Josh Walker raised the ire of Geelong's players and may land him in hot water. As tough and uncompromising a display as ever from the North veteran.

 

North's gut runner gathered 24 disposals in a superb first half of football. In a lot of ways, Gibson reflected North's take-no-prisoners mindset, galloping up and down the ground with purpose. Has his knockers, but put them firmly in their place with a career-best performance. 

 

Important presence around stoppages and thoroughly outworked his Geelong on-ball adversaries. 

 

Aided by Geelong's wayward delivery inside forward 50, Grima battled ferociously against Tom Hawkins in the first half. But he and Scott Thompson failed to curb the big man's influence after the break, as Hawkins threatened to take the game away from the Kangas.

 

Goldstein's advantage was enormous against novice big men Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker. Did what he needed to do and did not let up all night. A dominant presence, his towering mark in the dying stages in the game encapsulated what was a brilliant performance. Came mighty close to producing the perfect game, gathering 54 hit-outs, 15 disposals and a goal.

Bounced back from his three-game suspension in characteristic style, leading North on an electric coast-to-coast goal in the second quarter. May come under some scrutiny for a clash with Joel Selwood in the second quarter.

Injured his hamstring and subbed out in the third term. Early signs are that his season could be over. 

 

Made an important lunging effort in his own goal square to stop Jimmy Bartel goal in the second term. Made a couple of blues, but otherwise a very bright night for the first-year defender. 

 

Petrie's forward pressure was sensational throughout the game, and his sheer want and effort to mow down Geelong defenders was a key highlight. Didn't pull out the 'Frank the Tank' celebration, but would have been well entitled to after kicking a team-high four goals.

On fire early with three first-quarter goals as he led James Kelly on a merry dance. Was quietened somewhat after the main break, but made all the running when North set up their win.

 

Spent portions of the game on Tom Hawkins, but shadowed Josh Walker for much of the night. Walker kicked three goals and Hawkins added four. A dirty night. 

 

Fed the ball cleverly out to North's outside runners. Used his smarts and nous to navigate his way through traffic and put his head over the ball when he needed to. Stood strong for his club.

 

Kicked a clever goal across his body to drill home North's sixth goal. In the side for his forward pressure, the VCE student laid a game-high nine tackles. Stood up for himself when the Cats tried to bully him.

 

Not quite as dominant as last week, but still a significant influence. The dashing on-baller had Cameron Guthrie for company, and did his utmost to shake the tag with some hard running. Got off the chain on a number of occasions, providing important overlap run.

 

Got underneath Geelong's skin for most of the night, tangling with Geelong skipper Joel Selwood at half time. Finished with 21 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency.

 

A couple of really important efforts in key marking contests. Spent a lot of time up forward as another option for coach Brad Scott. Delivered two crucial goals in the final term to all but take North to victory.

Backed his players in, urging his men to be brave to take the ball up the middle. The team started like a house on fire, but had to show composure when Geelong came charging back into the contest late. Threw Jack Ziebell forward at the right moment and kept his faith that his players could close the contest. Won the coaching battle against twin brother Chris.