Geelong v Sydney player ratings: Steven Motlop bounces back as Sydney stars struggle

AFTER a shocker last week, Steven Motlop may have saved his Geelong career after a lively performance against the Swans, who had several players go missing again in September.

Mitch Duncan challenged Patrick Dangerfield for best-on-ground honours. Picture: AAP

AFTER a shocker last week, Steven Motlop may have saved his Geelong career after starring in Geelong’s massive semi-final win against Sydney, which had several players go missing again in September.

CHRIS CAVANAGH RATES THE BEST AND WORST PLAYERS FROM THE GEELONG V SYDNEY QUALIFYING FINAL AT THE MCG

Steven Motlop pumps his fist after kicking a goal. Picture: AAP

BEST PLAYERS

1. Patrick Dangerfield (Geel): Spent the first-half forward and couldn’t be stopped. Had eight shots on goal to halftime for a return of 4.3.

2. Sam Menegola (Geel): Quiet against the Tigers but responded in style through the midfield with 26 disposals, two classy goals and eight tackles.

3. Mitch Duncan (Geel): Really stepped up in the midfield with Dangerfield playing forward. Game-high 36 touches and two goals to boot.

4. Mark Blicavs (Geel): Given the job on Sydney’s Mr September, Kennedy, and soundly beat him. Had 19 disposals himself and a game-high 14 tackles.

5. Steven Motlop (Geel): Relatively quiet first half but turned it on with a lively second half topped off by a nice third-quarter goal.

6. Harry Taylor (Geel): Given the job on Franklin with Lonergan a late out. Looked at home and kept the Swans superstar goalless.

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Gary Rohan has another September stinker. Picture: Getty Images

WORST PLAYERS

1. Callum Sinclair (Syd): Did not have a lot of the ball come in his direction but had no impact on the game whatsoever with one effective disposal.

2. Lance Franklin (Syd): The fifth-leading goalkicker in finals history had an absolute shocker. Kept goalless by Taylor and didn’t have an effective touch to halftime.

3. Gary Rohan (Syd): Highly talented player but didn’t bring his pressure game and only really put his speed on display once.

4. Sam Reid (Syd): Kicked first goal but rarely sighted thereafter. Spent time as loose defender but didn’t influence like Henderson at other end.

5. James Parsons (Geel): Tough night for the forward. Tried hard but couldn’t get near the footy too often and gave away four free kicks.

6. Tom Hawkins (Geel): One of the Cats’ best against Richmond but was well held by Grundy. Only two shots on goal for one major and one out on the full.

SUPER TRACKER

Distance covered

Jarrad McVeigh (Syd) 14.3km

Zack Tuohy (Geel) 14.3km

Jake Kolodjashnij (Geel) 14.1km

Isaac Heeney (Syd) 14.0km

Dan Hannebery (Syd) 13.9km

Distance covered in attack

Zack Tuohy (Geel) 6.7km

Jake Kolodjashnij (Geel) 6.7km

Andrew Mackie (Geel) 6.6km

Lachie Henderson (Geel) 6.4km

Zack Guthrie (Geel) 6.2km

Distance at high speed

Steven Motlop (Geel) 2.9km

Jake Kolodjashnij (Geel) 2.4km

Brandan .Parfitt (Geel) 2.2km

Lachie Henderson (Geel) 2.2km

Zach Guthrie (Geel) 2.1km

Total sprints

Lance Franklin (Syd) 18

Steven Motlop (Geel) 17

Jed Bews (Geel) 15

Zach Tuohy (Geel) 15

Dan Hannebery (Syd) 14