It was Geelong’s perfect day — and it meant there were some ridiculously high player ratings scores across the board.
While the veterans starred, young gun Tyson Stengle capped off one of the stories of the AFL season with an epic
Every Geelong player rated out of 10 from the Grand Final against Sydney.
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BLOODBATH: Cats crush woeful Swans as 10th flag cements superstars’ legacies
CATS PLAYER RATINGS:Story of season gets perfect ending; ‘colossal’ star’s epic GF
SWANS PLAYER RATINGS: Horror day as SEVENTEEN players cop fails
RESUME GROWS: Cats veteran adds prestigious Norm Smith to his remarkable medal cabinet
SELWOOD STARS: Tears flow as Cats champions finally claim flag they ‘deserved’
‘ALL-TIME SELECTION STINKER’: Swan ‘shouldn’t be playing’ as bold GF play backfires
‘JUST BROKE ME’:AFL world loses it over Cats’ ‘amazing’ Grand Final act with legend’s son
1. Rhys Stanley
The dominant ruck on the ground. Like previous weeks, started in the ruck at centre bounces but pushed into defence when the ball was in Geelong’s forward half. 8
2. Zach Tuohy
Flawless by foot, helping repel several (albeit rare) Swans attacking forays. Among Geelong’s top interceptors for the day. A premiership player in his 250th game — not a bad day to say the least. 7
3. Brandan Parfitt
Started as the Cats’ sub. Came into the game late and kicked a goal within a minute. Deserves a premiership medallion after being a key member of the Cats’ on-ball brigade for many years. N/A
5. Jeremy Cameron
A quiet day to cap off an unreal 2022 campaign. Had Robbie Fox for company and was generally well held. Added a goal late. Still worth all those first-round picks he cost them … 5
7. Isaac Smith
Isaac ‘Norm’ Smith. Kicked three goals from 23 touches in his most recent Grand Final (2015) — and was just as brilliant seven years on. Electric start, booting two first-quarter goals from eight disposals, five contested possessions, two clearances, two inside 50s and a kicking efficiency of 80 per cent. His run and carry, as well as his ability to finish in front of goal, was brilliant. 9
8. Jake Kolodjashnij
Looked assured in defence, as he has done all finals series, especially early in the game. Took plenty of marks and used the ball efficiently by foot. 7
14. Joel Selwood
Cometh the big stage, cometh the captain. Started on the bench but had an immediate impact when he came on, showing awesome pressure at the coalface. He had 12 touches in the first term — he had 12 for the entire preliminary final — four intercepts and three score involvements to set the tone. Had the moment of the match in the match in the final term, kicking an emotional goal that saw his family shed tears in the stands. A four-time premiership player — and now a premiership captain. 8
16. Sam De Koning
Was the beneficiary of the Swans tagging Tom Stewart and Jack Henry taking Lance Franklin. Had a nervous start, shanking a kick out of bounds on the full despite being under no pressure. Then settled in nicely with eight touches and five marks in the first quarter. Got free as often as possible to set Geelong up off half-back. Hard to believe this kid is only 21. 7
18. Tyson Stengle
What a yarn. What a player. Beautiful moment at the start of the second term, booting his 50th goal for the season — an achievement that appeared so unlikely 12 months ago. Kicked 3.1 in the SANFL grand final win last year — and finished with 4.1 from 15 disposals in the AFL Grand Final 12 months later to be a premiership player. Phenomenal. 8
22. Mitch Duncan
It was ominous early when he was able to find so much space, as Duncan is the last player you want to have a stack of uncontested possessions. Had a big moment at the start of the third term, winning a free kick for holding the ball and converting his set-shot. 8
23. Gary Rohan
A quiet Grand Final, but this time in a winning cause. He couldn’t give a stuff about his stats sheet. 4
24. Jed Bews
An unheralded star of this Cats backline and a deserving premiership player. Seemed to run with Tom Papley for large stints of the match and had him well beaten. 6
26. Tom Hawkins
The firestarter. First — and second — goalkicker, quintessentially grabbing the ball out of the ruck from a forward 50 stoppage and snapping two classy majors. Added another in the second term. Could’ve really put himself in Norm Smith Medal contention if he’d kicked straight. Nonetheless, a triple premiership Cat. 8
29. Cameron Guthrie
Consistent and reliable as always in the middle. Hard on the inside but classy on the outside. 6
30. Tom Atkins
As he’s done several times this year, got better as the game wore on after a quiet first half. Among the Cats’ leading tacklers and contested possession winners. Another great premiership player story. 6
32. Gryan Miers
One of the Cats’ best players during the finals series. Was busy across half-forward and the wing early and found plenty of the footy. 7
35. Patrick Dangerfield
Colossal. Should be his middle name. Most pundits thought he was primed for this Grand Final — and those takes were justified. Had more contested possessions, clearances and score assists than any other player on the field and was especially dominant in the second term. Stiff to miss the Norm Smith medal, but he couldn’t care — finally a premiership player. 9
38. Jack Henry
Was given the job on Lance Franklin and blanketed the Swans superstar. Huge scalp on a huge stage. 7
MOMENTS THAT MADE GF: Swans star’s brutal afternoon; goal that brought the MCG to tears
‘THANK GOD FOR ROBBIE WILLIAMS’: ‘Boring’ GF tests fans in anti-climax to classic AFL finals
‘NEXT LEVEL’: Cats explode in 33-year first Grand Final ‘bloodbath’
‘ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY’: Swans’ GF nightmare laid bare as big Cat ‘bench presses’ hapless rival
‘LOVE YOU WARNIE’: Robbie’s perfect tribute to late great spin king, Aussie music legend
39. Zach Guthrie
Geelong’s most improved player this season and barely put a foot wrong all season and on Grand Final day. Will be special to share the flag with his brother. 6
42. Mark O’Connor
The late inclusion for the injured Max Holmes and started on a wing next to Justin McInerney. Was important early in helping the Cats lock the ball in their front yarn. Used the ball well by foot. 6
44. Tom Stewart
Tagged by Ryan Clarke, as expected. Not his most influential game but was still solid in defence when the ball was in his area. 5
45. Brad Close
Another Stephen Wells diamond in the rough find. Continued his awesome finish to the finals series, pulling off some terrific one-percenters to put teammates to advantage. Kicked two goals himself and went at 100 per cent by foot. 8
46. Mark Blicavs
An awesome game to cap off an awesome season. Started strong at stoppages then pushed forward late in the first term to snap his team’s third goal. Was just as influential in the ruck, neutralising Tom Hickey’s influence consistently. One of the great recruiting stories capped off with a flag. 8
