JIMMY BARTEL
Typical Bartel moment. While a few of the Cats are lairising with the ball late in the second term, he gets the ball out on the flank and bombs the goal from 55 out.
Rating: 6
PAUL CHAPMAN
Didn’t get out of the second gear for most of the afternoon. Didn’t need to.
Rating: 5
ALLEN CHRISTENSEN
Extraordinary poise and polish for a first-year player. One of Geelong’s best, and (recruiting manager) Stephen Wells’ as well.
Rating: 8
JOEL COREY
Eased his way back into footy after a month off with a groin injury. Will be better for the run in the Grand Final.
Rating: 6
MITCH DUNCAN
Started as the sub and came on after Steve Johnson hurt his knee.
Rating: 3
COREY ENRIGHT
Mopped up across half-back and won some good footy through the middle. Par for the course for a Geelong midfielder.
Rating: 6
TOM HAWKINS
Has taken his sweet time about it, but has emerged as a powerful forward and a big weapon for the Cats. Took five contested marks.
Rating: 7
JOSH HUNT
Plenty of clearing work out of the backline and also jagged a goal. Good day’s work.
Rating: 6
STEVE JOHNSON
Carried from the ground in the third quarter with a knee injury that sent the crowd into a pall of silence. Kicked a nice left foot snap goal shortly before then, which was sadly his last touch for the day and perhaps the season.
Rating: 5
JAMES KELLY
Equally damaging as an inside and outside midfielder. Led the Cats with 29 disposals.
Rating: 8
CAMERON LING
One of several to rotate through - and keep quiet - the dangerous Matt Priddis. 21 possessions going the other way.
Rating: 7
TOM LONERGAN
Stood Josh Kennedy all afternoon and kept him to just three goals - a good outcome for Lonergan and the Cats.
Rating: 6
ANDREW MACKIE
Pretty much did what he liked running off half-back. A key player in the way the Cats like to set up.
Rating: 8
BRAD OTTENS
Not a dominant display by any stretch, but the Cats put their stamp on the game in the opening term when Ottens was on top in the ruck in the first term.
Rating: 6
JAMES PODSIADLY
Typical Pods display - crashing packs, taking marks, causing spills and hurting people. Loving life as a top Cat.
Rating: 7
JOEL SELWOOD
A class above the West Coast midfield, particularly brothers Adam and Scott. Loves the MCG. Loves the finals. Loves Grand Finals. Not sure how much his Mum loves him because she was on the Eagles in this one.
Rating: 8
MATTHEW SCARLETT
Turned the clock back with a genuine full-back display, not just as the floating, loose defender. Enjoying a great season.
Rating: 7
MATHEW STOKES
21 touches and a goal, but unobtrusive.
Rating: 6
HARRY TAYLOR
Didn’t have to do a lot, but won plenty of ball as the third man up and sweeping off half-back.
Rating: 5
TRAVIS VARCOE
Got the Cats on the board with their first goal. Didn’t do a heap thereafter and dare we say, lairised a bit as the Cats got well on top. Will need to play tighter next week.
Rating: 4
DAVID WOJCINSKI
A bit of dash off the wing, but not an outstanding display.
Rating: 4
TRENT WEST
Presented really well early when the Cats were flying and kicked a goal. Is keeping Cam Mooney out of the side.
Rating: 5
This views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
