Looked panicked at stages and made a couple of poor errors by foot. Was one of the veterans who sparked Geelong into action late in the game, including a curling snapped goal around the body to cut the margin to six points late in the final term. Had just 14 touches spending time on ball and up forward.

 

With Hamish McIntosh out of the side with a knee injury, Blicavs was forced to shoulder the majority of the ruck load. Struggled to curtail Todd Goldstein's influence and the North ruckman was the most dominant player on the ground. The developing big man still has a lot to learn.

Threw his body into marking contests on a few occasions. Started up forward and then was thrown into defence when the Cats cleared the forward line for Hawkins late in the game. Faces an uncertain future. 

 

Started at full-forward but was quickly moved to the midfield where he set the Cats alight. Did his best to lift his side but had few mates willing to join him. Geelong's best player alongside Hawkins. 

 

Burned off Luke McDonald to open Geelong's account in the opening term but was let down by average disposal at times. Still had 20 disposals, but lacked his usual energy and zeal.

 

Unsighted for much of the night, the star defender bobbed up to kick a crucial goal late in the third term to give Geelong some sort of hope. But just 15 disposals on the night for the three-time premiership Cat led to a poor outing.

 

Stood beside Daniel Wells for much of the night and was part of an on-ball brigade that was comprehensively beaten. Still he persisted to finish with 12 disposals (11 contested), six tackles and eight clearances. Not one of his better games. 

Threatened to take the game away from North Melbourne with an enormous final term, booting three goals in six minutes. After a quiet first half, he was stung into action and tried to haul his team onto his broad back. Did everything he could to extend Geelong's finals run.

 

The Cats youngster was caught running on the spot on too many occasions. Renowned for his clearance work, Horlin-Smith was thoroughly beaten by the likes of Andrew Swallow and Ben Cunnington. 

 

Lost touch with Lindsay Thomas time and again in the first term, allowing three goals to his direct opponent. Avoided what looked like being a shocker, bouncing back after that to ensure Thomas was back under lock and key.

 

Was charged with the task of holding Drew Petrie who kicked four goals for the game. But as Geelong did its best to stay in the game, the stingy defender took a couple of key pack marks. Far from disgraced.

 

An awful clanger to miss Mark Blicavs when kicking out from full-back in the first quarter gifted Todd Goldstein an easy goal. He also missed a key tackle on Ben Cunnington. Extremely poor display from the experienced Cat. 

Started as the sub in his first finals game and instantly brought life and energy when given a run midway through the third term. Denied a late goal when a score review was ruled touch, as Geelong was making all the running.

  

Lacked the usual pep in his step and was well held, as he was last week against Hawthorn. Missed a key goal on the run in the third term, which he would usually kick with his eyes closed. Geelong needed more from its talented forward.

Along with Steven Motlop, the Cats' speedster was well contained for much of the night. When he's not hitting the scoreboard, the club needs him to bring the pressure. He didn't do that, finishing with just two tackles.

 

Given a number of responsibilities in defence, including manning Jack Ziebell at certain stages early in the game. Ended the match sore after appearing to suffer a calf problem in the third quarter. 

Tried to lift his team but this time it didn't quite work. Despite the hurdles he faced, he battled incredibly hard and showed the strong willed nature that won him the AFLPA's most courageous player. Finished with his head bandaged and 24 touches and 11 clearances.

 

A super-quiet game. Geelong looks to Stokes to provide the necessary link up through the middle, but he failed to fulfil that role on the night. Just 12 touches for one the Cats' premier on-ballers. 

Taylor often sets up play for the Cats with his intercept marking, but for whatever reason he could not work his way into the game. Did not give Geelong enough, with just four marks and 10 disposals.

 

A quiet night that ended with just five disposals when he was subbed out in the third quarter after being run down by Drew Petrie deep in defence.    

 

Made a couple of horrendous skill errors and looked shaky with ball in hand early in the game. After he settled into the tempo of the game, the Cat tried to at least spark Geelong with some hard running.

 

Stood up when his team needed him early in the game. Kicked three goals and got the better of his duel with Scott Thompson. Struggled when thrown into the ruck, but a definite tick for the developing big man.

Baked his players at quarter-time after they gave up seven goals in an avalanche of a first quarter. Was hampered by injuries in the ruck, which for the second straight year came back to hurt the club in a big way. Persevered with his match-ups, leaving James Kelly on Thomas and Lonergan deep in defence. Was let down badly by his players.