AFL Geelong v Brisbane: Player ratings from the 2020 preliminary final
Gary Ablett starred but there was no game-breaking performance from Patrick Dangerfield. Instead, a number of unheralded Cats had a big impact. It was a different story for the Lions, however. See who starred and who flopped on the big stage.
Geelong has ensured an all-Victorian grand final next week with a convincing preliminary final win over Brisbane.
And, in a great sign ahead of the huge clash with the Tigers, almost every Cat made a significant contribution. It was a different story for Lions, however.
MATCH REPORT: Ablett's last shot at glory
Who starred and who performed below expectations on the big stage? Scroll down for our ratings over every player.
GEELONG
- Ratings by Josh Barnes
Rhys Stanley
The big man was outstanding in centre bounces all night. Didn’t have a huge influence around the ground but was solid. 6.5
Zach Tuohy
Kicked the sealer and unleashed a trademark celebration. Was there when Geelong needed some drive forward. 6
Brandan Parfitt
Probably Geelong’s best player this finals series, again was clean and calm around the clinches and had an influence. 7.5
Gary Ablett
You just knew the Little Master would leave some mark on this finals series and his two goals in the third quarter were massive. A night of moments for the champ. 8
Harry Taylor
Not a lot of the ball for the veteran, but he quelled Eric Hipwood nicely. Does he take Tom Lynch next week? 7
Jake Kolodjashnij
A surprise call for him to man Charlie Cameron and looked like he was in for a rough night after the first term but beat the star forward in the end. 7
Joel Selwood
Not huge numbers for the skipper, but his presence and physicality was a big reason behind Geelong’s midfield dominance. 7.5
Mitch Duncan
Has flourished with more minutes inside in recent weeks, wasn’t as influential as in the semi-final but played an important part. 7
Gary Rohan
Two magical goals, plus one more for the road after the siren. Was an option all night, the best final of his career? 7.5
Jed Bews
A quiet night for Bews but showed off his dare at times. Has flourished this season in getting into the right spots at the right times defensively. 5.5
Lachie Henderson
Was wobbly at ground level at times and gave away a 50m penalty but was good as always in the air. Will be crucial in the Grand Final. 5.5
Tom Hawkins
Broke even with Harris Andrews in a marquee match-up but still had five shots at goal and finished with 2.3. 6
Sam Menegola
Blew a golden chance in the second quarter running into goal but was accumulating the ball all night. His best final of this campaign so far. 7
Cam Guthrie
Was a big reason for Geelong’s dominance around the footy early and showed his All-Australian class around the ball. A very good night. 8
Gryan Miers
Would like back a missed chance in the second term but kicked a clutch goal in the fourth quarter to help Geelong kick away. 6
Patrick Dangerfield
A quiet night for the superstar but he still had some key moments at ground level. That he can have a down night and still have three goal assists and eight score involvements speaks to his otherworldly talents. 6
Sam Simpson
Superb start from the inexperienced Cat, was clean and energetic early. Faded a little as the game wore on but was good again in his second final. 6.5
Jack Henry
Responded to being run down by Charlie Cameron early to be one of the best players on the ground. His goal in the third term was crucial and he took some telling marks. 7.5
Luke Dahlhaus
Quiet night for the small forward, with just nine disposals. Halved an important contest in the fourth term that allowed Geelong to release the pressure. 5
Mark O’Connor
Did his job and stood up under heat in the back-50. As reliable as they come, a fine way to celebrate your 50th game by winning a preliminary final. 5
Tom Stewart
The drive was there from Stewart out of the backline as he collected 19 disposals and helped set up attacks for the Cats. 6.5
Mark Blicavs
Another good night for Blicavs, who floated down back when needed and snuck forward to have a couple of shots at goal. 7
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BRISBANE
- Ratings by Chris Cavanagh
Callum Ah Chee
Did plenty of running around, but didn’t find a lot of the ball across half-back and up-and-down a wing. Gave away the last free kick of the game which saw Gary Rohan put some icing on the cake with a goal after the siren. 4
Mitch Robinson
A poke in the eye in the opening minutes summed up a night that didn’t quite go his way. Lifted after a one-touch first quarter, but had no major impact on the game. 4
Hugh McCluggage
Set the tone in the opening minutes with some important early touches and was clearly one of the Lions’ best across the night on a wing to cap a huge season. Disposal at times just let him down a little. 7.5
Jarrod Berry
Cracked in hard but was a disappointing final after another impressive year. Only managed eight disposals on a wing. 3
Lachie Neale
Had a subdued opening quarter once again but was a superhero thereafter. A day before a widely-expected Brownlow Medal win, Neale had only two touches in the opening term but finished with 24 disposals along with eight clearances and two goals. What a season it has been. 9.5
Daniel Rich
That booming left-foot provided plenty of drive out of defence as it so often does. Seven rebound-50s among 18 disposals in a big performance. 7
Lincoln McCarthy
Appeared to relish the clash against his old side. Cracked in hard at the contest and laid the second-most tackles on the ground with eight while also being an important link-man going forward for the Lions in one of his best games of the year. 8
Stefan Martin
A year crippled by injury certainly hasn’t been Martin’s finest. Tried hard but played barely half the game with his fitness lacking and was beaten in the ruck battle by Geelong pair Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs. Midway through the third quarter Martin still had a paltry two SuperCoach points. Enough said. 2
Grant Birchall
Horror finish to the season for a guy who has had a luckless injury run as he pinged his right hamstring in the final few minutes of the game. Started strongly with five touches in the first quarter but faded after that. 4
Dayne Zorko
The captain brought the pressure and physicality early in the game which was important and also found a bit of the ball at least early. But his disposal let him down at times and he would have liked another go at his second-quarter shot at goal from 20m on a slight angle that was sprayed right. 4
Cam Rayner
The former No.1 draft pick played his usual role spending most of his time forward and pinch-hitting in the midfield but it certainly wasn’t his No.1 performance for the year. Didn’t win enough of the ball but did take his opportunity in front of goal with a clutch major from 50m in the third quarter. 4
Jarryd Lyons
Worked hard in the thick of it all night, evidenced by his seven tackles and five clearances. Wasn’t particularly damaging with the ball, but could walk off with his chin up. 7
Charlie Cameron
The livewire forward looked red-hot early and kicked Brisbane’s first two goals in the opening term, the first from a mark and the second from a free kick for his pressure work. But was almost unsighted after that. Still, two goals in a final for a small forward is a pass. 5
Daniel McStay
Has plenty of talent but did not bring much of it on the night. Clunked a nice mark in the forward line in the third but missed the resulting snap at goal. It was one of just three touches McStay had for the game. Forgettable night. 1
Cameron Ellis-Yolmen
Was on -1 SuperCoach points at quarter time and it didn’t get much better as he failed to touch the ball in the second term. The second half was a little better, but at times Ellis-Yolmen just doesn’t look like he wants to work hard enough to win the ball. 3
Eric Hipwood
A performance like we’ve come to expect. Does some brilliant things but also goes missing for long periods. Worked hard up the ground and snapped a nice goal in the second quarter in a big moment. But crashed a pack to take a big chest mark in the third quarter only to spray a getable goal. 4
Harris Andrews
It was a game within a game, Andrews’ battle with Tom Hawkins. In the end, Andrews probably took the cake. Hawkins kicked two goals in the first half but had just seven disposals and two marks after that as Andrews won more than his share of one-on-ones. 8.5
Zac Bailey
Worked hard but wasn’t able to have much impact. Missed a tough shot at goal from the boundary line after the half-time siren. 3
Ryan Lester
Started on Patrick Dangerfield down back and had the superstar for a lot of the night. Took six marks among 14 disposals in a solid performance. 7
Brandon Starcevich
Part of the backline group which was solid under pressure. Didn’t have a lot of the ball but played his role. 6
Jack Payne
A late inclusion for Darcy Gardiner for what was just his fifth game and started brilliantly in the opening term on Gary Rohan. Took some big contested marks and provided some rebound out of the backline. 7.5
Oscar McInerney
Was the leading ruckman on the ground on the night with 22 hitouts and also got back to help in defence and took a couple of nice intercept marks. 7
Richmond v Port player ratings: Was unlikely Tiger better than Dusty?
RICHMOND
1. Nick Vlastuin
Battled bravely, but will be breathing a sigh of relief after giving away a sloppy head-high free kick that gave the Power a goal in the final term. 7
2. Dylan Grimes
Had only five touches all night but did his job down back. Always solid. 6.5
3. Dion Prestia
In his third game back, the "Human meatball" was immense. Finished with 19 disposals and helped the Tigers dominate in the engine room in the second half. 8
4. Dustin Martin
Can he win a third Norm Smith Medal next week? Get on him now because he lives for finals. Another best-afield performance with two goals and 21 disposals. 9
7. Liam Baker
Never takes a backward step. Finished with 12 disposals and continues to grow in stature. Will be looking for his second premiership medal next week. 6
8. Jack Riewoldt
Kicked a goal with his first kick but was mostly quiet other than that. His on-field leadership and experience still shone through. 6
9. Trent Cotchin
In his 250th match, the Tigers skipper led from the front with 17 disposals and, crucially, 13 of them contested. Was instrumental in his side’s fourth-term midfield dominance. 8
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10. Shane Edwards
Nothing spectacular but his poise and experience was important as always. What a welcome addition he has been. 6
11. Jason Castagna
Quiet night for Castagna, who failed to have much of an impact on a night that it appeared would have been made for him. Just couldn't hang on to a juggled mark at the top of the goalsquare in the third term. 5
12. David Astbury
Defensive pillar who, as always, played his role with little fuss. Gave Toby Nankervis a chop-out in the ruck in a finals move it seems Damien Hardwick will persist with. 6.5
14. Bachar Houli
Slightly down on his performance against St Kilda last week, but was still important. Sprayed more kicks than usual but worked hard and was always busy. 7
15. Jayden Short
Short had 14 possessions, including 12 kicks, in a solid showing. 6
17. Daniel Rioli
Gave away a silly 50m penalty in the final term that would have infuriated his coach, but was otherwise busy with 13 touches and six tackles. 6
19. Tom Lynch
Only one goal for the night for Lynch, who was far below his best and booed every time he touched the pill. Tom Clurey did a fine job on him. 6
21. Noah Balta
After Dusty, was the Tigers’ best. Solid as a rock down back, doing a number on Charlie Dixon and he even floated forward at times. 9
23. Kane Lambert
A matchwinner for the Tigers with two goals in the final term to play a leading role in Richmond’s triumph. Important at the right time. 8
25. Toby Nankervis
Battled all night in the ruck and took some crucial intercept marks late. Laid 10 tackles to be one of the Tigers’ best. 8
29. Shai Bolton
Always looked dangerous. Had six score involvements for the match. 7
33. Kamdyn McIntosh
Solid all night and finished with 13 disposals. 6
34. Jack Graham
Copped a stinger in the second term but was able to play out the match and did it well. 7
35. Nathan Broad
Very quiet night for Broad, but most of his nine touches were quality. 6
50. Marlion Pickett
Barely touched the ball early. Went to the rooms early in the third term but came back on and finished well. Hoping to win his second flag in his 20th game next week. 6
Ratings by Nick Smart
ROBBO: TIGERS ONE WIN FROM IMMORTALITY
PORT ADELAIDE
1. Tom Jonas
Is there a thing as a captain’s tackle? Because that was exactly what Jones did when he saved a goal by bringing down Tom Lynch in the third quarter. As he has done all season, led by example 8.5
2. Sam Powell-Pepper
Surprisingly only two tackles for the match. Hunted for the ball all night but didn’t do enough when he got it. 6
3. Ryan Burton
Suffered another soft -issue twinge and was surprisingly sent up forward where he absolutely butchered a chance. 5
4. Todd Marshall
Fluffed an easy chance just minutes into the match, and it didn’t get much better for the young key forward. Port needed more from him. 5
5. Dan Houston
Got plenty of ball off half-back for the Power, can be pleased with his efforts on the night. 6.5
6. Steven Motlop
In the qualifying final he was outstanding, in this game he was invisible at times as he again proved to be an enigma. 5
7. Brad Ebert
Ended up in defence in the third quarter and took some huge marks back there. Had to be helped off after bravely going back with the flight of the ball in what ended up as his last match for the Power. 8.5
8. Hamish Hartlett
Talked the talk coming into the match and then backed it up with a crunching tackle seconds into the game. But gave away a deliberate out of bounds that really hurt Port in the fourth. 6
9. Robbie Gray
Looked like he was in for a huge one but never really got going as we know he can do in the big games. 6.5
10. Travis Boak
Would have wanted to have more of an impact on the game. Was solid enough but not as outstanding as we’ve seen from him this year. 6.5
11. Tom Rockliff
Should have been a game in which Rockliff could have gotten his snout right into the trough. But he seemed to fumble the ball more often than not. 5
12. Trent McKenzie
Fantastic rise this season and continued it with a solid showing against one of the most damaging forward lines in the AFL. More than held his own against Lynch and Riewoldt. 7
15. Karl Amon
Sensational smother on Daniel Rioli summed up the intensity the opening stages were played at. So important to Port with his run on the wing. 6
16. Ollie Wines
Again a contested beast around the ball but Richmond smashed Port at the contest in the last quarter. 7
17. Tom Clurey
Gave up height to Lynch but gave him one hell of a game. A performance that was all heart. 8
18. Zak Butters
Just does a lot of smart little things whenever he is near the ball. Didn’t have the impact he has had for much of this season. 6
20. Connor Rozee
Was sharp of mind to get his foot to the ball just before the goal line for Port’s first of the game and then followed it up with a ripping second. Has been quiet at times this year but relished the big stage. 8.5
21. Xavier Duursma
The bow and arrow boy hit the target at just the right time for the Power. Dropped an absolute sitter of a mark in the second but was outstanding for the rest of the night. 8.5
22. Charlie Dixon
Was quiet for three quarters but kicked a huge goal to open up the fourth. Conditions were always going to go against him. 6
29. Scott Lycett
Thrilled the crowd with a cavaliering run at a key moment of the match, and shortly after kicked a vital, vital goal from 48m. Won the ruck battle with ease but Richmond won the second ball. 7.5
33. Darcy Byrne-Jones
Was easily outbodied by Dustin Martin but flung himself at every other player in yellow and black. Left everything out there. 6.5
38. Peter Ladhams
Got reported for striking Noah Balta just seconds after he had already given away a free kick. Gave away four more in an undisciplined display but made some amends with a big goal in the fourth. 6
Ratings by Simeon Thomas-Wilson
Recap all the action, news and reaction from Friday night in our live blog below
Originally published as AFL Geelong v Brisbane: Player ratings from the 2020 preliminary final
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