Gary Ablett – 7
An impressive performance from the champion in his 345th and potentially final game. The 35-year-old had 21 touches, nine contested possessions and kicked a goal. Dangerous any time he got near the ball.
Tom Atkins – 5
Worked hard in attack without getting reward for his effort. Went at 100 per cent efficiency from his 11 disposals, but only gained 42m and laid two tackles.
Jed Bews – 6
Played his role by keeping the Tigers' small forwards quiet, but only had the eight disposals himself. Needs to get his hands on the ball more to impact the game.
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Mark Blicavs – 5
Started on the wing before spending some time in defence. Finished with just 10 disposals. Missed a simple set shot at goal in the second quarter.
Luke Dahlhaus – 5
The medium-forward didn't have a huge impact on the game. Racked up 14 disposals, including seven contested possessions, but had only one goal assist and didn't have a shot at goal.
Patrick Dangerfield – 8
Had a big first half with 19 disposals, but was well held after the main break to finish the game with 27, including 16 contested. Worked hard in the midfield, especially at stoppages.
Cameron Guthrie – 6
Started well on the wing before fading out of the game in the second half, finishing with 12 disposals. Couldn't get into the contest in the second half, but he wasn't alone there.
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Lachie Henderson – 4
Was always going to be difficult to replace Tom Hawkins. Didn't have an impact in an unfamiliar forward role, but kicked an important goal just before three-quarter time.
Jack Henry – 6
Solid down back and played his role effectively. The Cats defence was under plenty of pressure and Henry held firm under repeated inside 50 entries.
Tim Kelly – 9
Turned in an outstanding performance in what could be his final game for the Cats, collecting 31 disposals and kicking three of his side's nine goals. Was extremely close to being the best player on the ground. A brilliant midfielder who will be a big loss if he does head west.
Jake Kolodjashnij – 6
Tried hard in defence, but was out-muscled by Tom Lynch a couple of times when coming across to help Harry Taylor. However, his role was to keep Jack Riewoldt quiet and he did what he was asked to do.
Sam Menegola – 7
One of the Cats' better players in the second half when the game was going against them. Produced a sensational smother in the second quarter on Dustin Martin to prevent a shot on goal.
Gryan Miers – 7
Extremely busy in the forward half of the ground with 22 disposals and two goals, both in the first quarter. Was a bit quiet in the second half, but he wasn't alone there. Plenty to build on for the first-year player.
Quinton Narkle – 6
Showed some spark around the ball and was lively when he went forward. Possesses great footwork and didn't look out of place on the big stage.
Mark O'Connor – 7
The Irishman can hold his head high with an impressive game in defence. His run-down tackle on Tom Lynch in the third quarter was a highlight. Made a couple of mistakes by foot, but more positives than negatives in his game.
Brandan Parfitt – 6
The smooth mover worked hard to accumulate 13 contested possessions from his 16 disposals, with most of those in the forward half of the ground. Can improve his disposal efficiency, but was a handy contributor.
Esava Ratugolea – 6
The big key forward started the game strongly, taking a couple of contested marks, before fading out of the game in the second half. Went off the ground in the last quarter with a wrist injury.
Joel Selwood – 8
Another inspirational performance from the Cats skipper, finishing with 30 disposals and seven tackles. You'd expect nothing less from Selwood, who never gives less than 100 per cent.
Rhys Stanley – 8
A strong game from the Cats ruckman, who got on top of Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo. Was busy around the ground with 19 disposals to go with 24 hitouts.
Tom Stewart – 7
The All-Australian defender had another strong game with 19 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency and collected seven intercept possessions.
Harry Taylor – 5
The veteran defender had a tough assignment on Tigers spearhead Tom Lynch, who got the better of their battle, kicking five goals. Taylor attempted to run off Lynch and created play out of defence, but was beaten when they went one-on-one.
Zach Tuohy – 7
The Irishman found plenty of the ball in defence with 26 disposals. Worked hard to repel constant forward 50 entries from the Tigers. Can hold his head high.
