Jeremy Cameron proved why he’s arguably the best player in the AFL at the moment.
Plus Gary Rohan shrugs off past finals ghosts to deliver a game for the ages.
Every Geelong player rated out of 10 from its qualifying final clash against Collingwood.
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1. Rhys Stanley
Battled hard against Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron in the ruck. Not his most efficient game but did well to neutralise the Magpies duo. 5
2. Zach Tuohy
Spent a lot of time on Jamie Elliott but tried to zone off at times. Took a couple of crucial intercept marks late. Used the ball well by foot. 6
5. Jeremy Cameron
The best player in the competition at the moment. Gave the Cats ample energy when the Pies were on top with a strong opening term, including Geelong’s opening goal. Then pulled off terrific field kicks that set up goals to Gary Rohan and Mitch Duncan, before extracting the urine in the third term with a ridiculous third quarter set-shot on the wrong side for a left-footer. Finished with 3.2. Of his 17 disposals, 12 led to Cats scores — a “complete game”, according to Fox Footy’s Nick Riewoldt. 9
7. Isaac Smith
Provided quintessential gut-running all night, gaining ample territory for his side from 88 per cent game time. Finished with 20 touches, of which eight came in the last quarter. 6
8. Jake Kolodjashnij
Hurt his knee in the first term after his knee got caught under Will Hoskin-Elliott and looked lame from there. Stayed out on the ground for another quarter before being subbed off just before being subbed off just before half-time. 3
9. Max Holmes
Was busy all game. Had an unfortunate moment in the second term where he got an unlucky bounce and consequently fluffed a golden opportunity to score a goal. But was enormous in the last quarter, finishing with eight disposals and the match-winning goal. 7
14. Joel Selwood
Still got it. Still such a bull, leading by example at 34 during a hot contest. Terrific composure in tight situations and finished with a game-high 25 disposals. 8
16. Sam De Koning
Didn’t really have a natural match-up, playing on a variety of players. Still finished with seven intercepts and was largely efficient by foot. 6
18. Tyson Stengle
Applied great defensive pressure, finishing with six tackles. Just the 14 disposals. 5
22. Mitch Duncan
What an addition for the finals. Kicked a crucial goal in the third term and finished with 23 disposals. 7
23. Gary Rohan
Gary. Frickin’. Rohan. A far cry from the Gary Rohan of past finals series, thriving in a different role where he spent more time on the ball. Played with real energy, looked dangerous and chased hard. Kicked a goal late in the second term then stood tall in the third with a towering mark and goal to give Geelong the lead. But his big moment came late in the fourth term, plucking another contested mark and nailing a long-range set-shot. Daisy Pearce told Channel 7 Rohan “worked overtime”. Monkey off the back? 8
24. Jed Bews
A couple of big plays late, forcing the ball out of bounds when the Magpies had more numbers around the footy. Finished with six intercepts. 6
26. Tom Hawkins
Beaten, but still found a way to have an influence. Had very limited chances to impact the scoreboard early with Darcy Moore playing a blinder. But whenever the big Cat touched the footy, it usually led to a Geelong score. Of his 10 touches, seven led to Cats scores. 5
29. Cameron Guthrie
Lifted in the second term as the Cats fought back with eight touches and four tackles for the quarter. Finished with 23 for the game. 7
30. Tom Atkins
Strong defensive game across the first three quarters before exploding in the fourth term — just like he did against Port Adelaide late in the season. In the fourth quarter he had 12 disposals, eight contested possessions and four clearances to get the Cats moving forward. 7
32. Gryan Miers
Got to work in the last quarter and capitalised on the Cats’ strong contested ball work. Nine touches and six led to Geelong scores. 5
35. Patrick Dangerfield
Had some colossal moments during the game where he wanted the ball more than anyone else on the park. Had 22 touches, 12 contested possessions, eight clearances and six tackles. 8
38. Jack Henry
Played on a variety of Magpies opponents throughout the night, both tall and small. 4
39. Zach Guthrie
Showed why he’s been one of the most improved players at the Cats this season. Finished with 17 disposals, eight intercepts and five inside 50s and went at 75 per cent by foot. 7
42. Mark O‘Connor
Started as the medical sub and was injected into the game just before half-time. Finished with nine disposals and six contested possessions. 5
44. Tom Stewart
That’s why he’s a four-time All-Australian. Spent time on Brody Mihocek then got better as the game wore Had a team-high eight touches in the third term. Finished with 22 disposals, 10 intercepts and seven marks. 8
45. Brad Close
Crucial second term, curtailing the influence of Nick Daicos then kicking a goal. Added his second major in the final term that put Geelong in front. 6
46. Mark Blicavs
Played a variety of roles, including in the ruck and in defence. But appeared to shadow Jordan De Goey closely in the second half. 6
