It was oh so close for Chris Scott’s Cats on Saturday evening, who were the only victim of what was one of the all-time preliminary finals this century.
When given the opportunity, a forward duo took the game into their own hands with some outrageous efforts – while multiple veterans underdelivered.
Every Geelong player rated from the Second Preliminary Final against Brisbane.
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1. Rhys Stanley
The veteran Cat had a whopping 29 hitouts to half time, and also wasn’t afraid to send the ball inside 50 for his forwards. Finished with 45 taps, but his game will unfortunately be remembered for his miss on goal in the dying stages that if converted, would have given the Cats one last chance at an eleventh hour comeback. 5
4. Tanner Bruhn
Had a quiet-ish opening half, but registered three clearances in that time amid midfield congestion. Went missing in the second half when the Cats needed him most. Will be better for the experience after being asked to fill some big shoes. 3
5. Jeremy Cameron
Kicked Geelong’s first goal on his non-preferred after the Cats failed to covert early doors. Uncharacteristically missed a second shot on goal kicking around his body with a minute to play before quarter time. Kicked his second in similar fashion to his first in a very strong first half for the superstar. Finished with three behinds in an ‘almost’ outing, but was overall a very solid performance that could have been monstrous. 6
7. Shaun Mannagh
Kicked Geelong’s second of the second quarter and looked lively early before getting near his best in the third term. His two behinds in the second half would have been great, but he didn’t look out of place. 5
8. Jake Kolodjashnij
Sent a couple of missiles inside 50 early and held down the defensive fort for the most part. Didn’t set the world on fire, but was also by no means a liability. 5
9. Max Holmes
Was everywhere in the first 10 minutes, but should have converted an early set shot after catching Hugh McCluggage holding the ball. Set the MCG alight in the second term with 10 disposals to help Geelong in their seven-goal term, and looked like he could be the difference between the two teams. Unfortunately, a soft tissue injury struck in a preliminary final against Brisbane for the second time in three years – ending his night prematurely. Would be an eight if it wasn’t for his early exit. 7
12. Jack Bowes
Was there or there abouts in the first couple of quarters, but didn’t have a major impact on the game. Didn’t light up the centre of the ground as well as he would’ve liked in his bursts through the middle. 4
17. Lawson Humphries
Was effective from the get go, applying pressure aerially, physically and on the ground with success. Scary how effective he is with ball in hand given his meteoric rise to the big time. Was massive higher up the ground in the last quarter, but he didn’t have the help of all around him. Going to be a genuine superstar. 7
18. Tyson Stengle
Was unsighted in the first quarter before he got into the game. Looked alive in the second term, before being around the mark without impacting directly. Six score involvements was his biggest tick, and was beaten all in all. 4
22. Mitch Duncan
Was named the starting substitute for the fifth time in his 296-game career. Had a last-gasp chance in the final two minutes to bring the Cats back within five points, but was chased down in a split second before he could even get boot to ball. Finished with three disposals from 16 per cent game time. N/A
24. Jed Bews
Did an honourable job on Charlie Cameron, despite his two goals. Had seven intercepts from nine disposals, and used the ball relatively well. For someone on the outer for so long this season, he should be very proud with how well he’s come back into the senior side. 5
28. Ollie Dempsey
Was entrenched in Geelong’s second quarter flurry, kicking his only goal for the night amid the run. Had a solid second half, and had a lot of his ball on the wing closest to the interchange. An excellent year for Dempsey finished on a sour note. 5
30. Tom Atkins
Was soundly beaten by rival Lachie Neale in the midfield battle, and wasn’t able to burn him going the other way. Went at 50 per cent disposal efficiency from his 12 disposals; a night to forget in what was a very tough matchup. 3
32. Gryan Miers
Geelong’s best on ground, who’s second quarter will be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to witness it. Finished with two goals from his 20 disposals, at 75 per cent. Had 10 contested possessions too, proving it wasn’t just outside ball he was winning. Still so, so underrated – but maybe that will finally change after tonight. 8
MIERS’ ABSURD ASSIST SENDS MCG WILD | 00:48
33. Shannon Neale
Didn’t have an impact on the scoreboard and was beaten soundly by the Brisbane defence. Missed his moment with a shot on goal in the final quarter from distance, and didn’t get a chance after that. Will be better from the experience after a largely positive 2024. 2
34. Oisin Mullin
Used the ball well enough with the got it, but would’ve liked far more of it. Ultimately didn’t impact the match as much as many hoped after holding his spot in the side over Zach Tuohy. RATING
35. Patrick Dangerfield
As we know, built for the big stage – and looked extremely threatening in moments. Ended with a team high 24 disposals and a goal in an effort that you can’t argue with. Also led his side for contested possessions (12) and clearances (5), but didn’t have the full support he needed. A knock to his back may have hampered his output in the second half of the match. Another one gone begging. 7
Is Pat in strife for dangerous tackle? | 00:31
36. Ollie Henry
Missed an absolute sitter of a set shot that would have finally got the Cats their first goal. Bounced back hard from there though, finishing with 10 score involvements, six inside 50s, two contested marks to go with his game-high four goals – including what was at the time a clutch two goals deep in the final term. 8
38. Jack Henry
Kept Logan Morris to two goals and six disposals, with one of his majors out of Henry’s control. His biggest flaw was using the ball, with four turnovers from 10 disposals. Defensively though, he was sound – and also had eight intercept possessions. 6
39. Zach Guthrie
Was solid enough off half back, and came to life in the premiership quarter. Turned the ball a handful of times, but gained plenty of territory with 559 metres gained. Also had the second-most intercept possessions of any player on the ground, which certainly counts for something. 6
44. Tom Stewart
Was on the end of some poor umpiring decisions early on, and had a goal kicked on him by Charlie Cameron as a result. Led the match with a dozen intercept possessions, and with a run-down tackle on Zac Bailey in the dying stages, he looked like the hero alongside Ollie Henry. It wasn’t to be though unfortunately. Looked at his absolute blitzing best when he could use the corridor. 8
45. Brad Close
Had eight disposals in the second term when the Cats went on a riot. Was lively all night up forward in the long sleeves and was effective in return. Applied 23 pressure acts for the match and recovered well from his slow start. No goals in the end hurts his rating. 5
46. Mark Blicavs
Had nine touches for the match after a very slow first half, and kicked an important goal in the third term. Went at 89 per cent disposal efficiency, but wasn’t at his best beyond that unfortunately for Cats fans. 4
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