Steadied the ship on a number of occasions in the backline. He has an uncanny knack of being able to take relieving marks and it was on full display at the Cattery. Typically courageous overhead and directed the troops in defence. Was easily Geelong's best player.

 

Won a lot of possessions early by using his trademark running power. Generally clean when dishing off to teammates but missed an opportunity to kick a crucial goal in the final term as the ball alluded him and Freo once again cleared from defence. No real match for big Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke in the ruck.

 

Recruited to Geelong to be part of the Cats' bright future, but came up short in his first final. It was not through a lack of trying but his influence was minimal.

 

Started as the sub in his 250th game and came on straight after half-time to the approval from Cats fanatics. Worked his way up to 11 disposals but had no impact on the scoreboard. On a day the Cats struggled for forward options, the Cats needed his class to shine through around goal. It didn't.

 

A quiet game for a player Geelong often looks to for a spark. Floated between half-forward and the wing with little impact. Will be looking to bounce back in a big way in the semi-final.

 

Kicked the opening goal of the game and exhibited trademark toughness around the clinches. The Cats champion tried his heart out but lacked the necessary penetration in his kicking to drill the ball long and capitalise on the scoreboard when the Cats were pressing.

 

Failed to contain Fremantle flyer Stephen Hill who got off the chain on a number of occasions. The Cats rely on Duncan to be a 'two-way' runner but he really did neither against the Dockers.

 

Picked up 13 first-half possessions before wrenching his knee in the second quarter in an awkward scenario late in the second quarter. Was subbed at half-time.

 

Took a couple of pivotal marks early in the contest and used the ball with aplomb. Kept Hayden Ballantyne out of the play and tackled with ferocity. Saved the day for the Cats on a few occasions, beating Fremantle's speedsters back towards goal. Probably the best game of his young career.

 

Won a pile of the footy early and was the most influential player on the ground in the opening term. Received the Ryan Crowley treatment and found the going tough. Crowley wore him like a glove, limiting Johnson to just eight possessions after quarter-time.

 

Typical fierce attack on the footy and laid nine tackles. You can never question his intent, but the Cats needed him to win more of the ball with a few key playmakers down on their usual influence.  

 

The Cats coaching staff could not find the right match-up for the brave defender, and as such he struggled. Opposed to Zac Clarke and Aaron Sandilands at certain periods whose height was telling. Offered little offensively with just five possessions.

 

Gathered 25 possessions and 10 handball receives, running and creating down both wings. Drove Geelong inside 50 on six occasions and rebounded from defence five times. Was an everywhere man for Chris Scott.

 

The Geelong speedster helped himself to 20 touches but his usual pizazz was not quite there. Kicked a goal but was generally kept under wraps for much of the game. No real 'finger-twirling' moments, either.

 

Competed, as he usually does, with fanaticism in the air and kicked three goals to be Geelong's only dangerous forward. But a clogged forward 50 meant he was often having to cause spillages for his small forwards. Fought hard.

 

Ran with Chris Mayne who did not have a huge impact on the contest. Made a couple of vital spoils in intense situations and did what was required.

 

An atypical quiet day for the Cats skipper. Must have been counting his lucky stars when Crowley sauntered up alongside Mathew Stokes at the centre bounce, but did not make the most of that match-up. Given Fremantle's level of play, Geelong needed Selwood to be inspirational.

 

Was targeted physically from the outset by the Dockers, but regrouped to become one of Geelong's best. Put his head over the ball and scooped out handballs to teammates under intense pressure. Ran to the right spaces and used the ball well. Can hold his head high.

 

Fought an intriguing battle with Matthew Pavlich who was one of Fremantle's best. But Taylor's work in the air was exceptional. He took eight marks and made some key spoils over the top of the Dockers skipper. If Taylor was not there, 'the Pav' would have kicked a bag.

 

Passed a concussion test during the week but looked lost throughout the game. Struggled to nullify the influence of Clarke and Sandilands in the ruck and hardly sighted the ball up forward.

 

Linked up well to get on the end of a number of Geelong's forward forays. With Motlop held in check, Varcoe took it upon himself to generate the necessary run through the centre channel. He let himself down with some sloppy delivery but was at least taking the game on.

 

Struggled with the intensity in his first final, as a late call up for Tom Hawkins. Will find the going tough to keep his spot next week.

 

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie