IT TOOK one memorable final-quarter goal for Stephen Hill to lift himself from the middle rungs in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Vero, to the highest scoring player in Fremantle's qualifying final win over Geelong.
It's been described as the best interchange in history, and it's hard to argue after Hill stepped onto Simonds Stadium unmanned, accepted Aaron Sandilands' spoil on the wing and took off to kick the match-sealing goal.
Hill carried the ball from the defensive side of the wing, taking five bounces with his right hand and running inside 50 to kick a memorable goal on his left.
It was one of the highest scoring plays for the year, netting Hill 6.1 player ratings points and giving him a game-high total of 22.9. Hill moved up nine places to 42nd overall.
Fremantle had the top three scorers on the ground on Saturday, with Michael Barlow (20.6) winning 32 possessions (18 contested) and kicking three goals.
Defender Lee Spurr (19.5) enjoyed a career-best game. His 29 disposals, 16 effective kicks and 541m gained were all the best of his 34-game career and he also took four intercept marks.
The highest scoring player for the round was Sydney Swans midfielder Kieren Jack (23.8) who led Friday night's qualifying final against Hawthorn in total disposals (32), metres gained (599) and tackles (11).
Jack sits sixth overall after starting the season ranked 19th.
Other leading scorers in the first week of the finals were Port Adelaide's Brad Ebert (18.9) and Kane Cornes (16.5), and Hawthorn's Jarryd Roughead (16.3) and Paul Puopolo (15.6).
On Sunday, it was Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric (18.8) who led the way, despite the Tigers' second half capitulation.
Maric broke into the top 50 for the first time in his career, finishing with nine hit-outs to advantage, six clearances and 16 disposals – 10 more than either Carlton ruckman.
His final-quarter goal alone was worth five points.
