‘Off the charts’ young gun fills missing star void as bargain pick-ups brilliant: Cats player ratings

That was about as comprehensive a performance as Geelong could have dished up against the Power.

There were stars across every line, from the hard-working Max Holmes to the brilliance of Chris Scott’s forward mix.

Every Geelong player rated out of 10 from the qualifying final vs Port Adelaide.

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1. Rhys Stanley

Was entrusted with number one ruck duties by coach Chris Scott and while he was beaten comprehensively in the hit outs (-23) by counterpart Jordon Sweet, he followed up his work at ground level well, finishing with five clearances and 11 disposals. 5

2. Zach Tuohy

The substitute for tonight’s clash wasn’t activated until the final term and by then the game was well and truly won. N/A

4. Tanner Bruhn

Had some nice moments and made the most of his opportunities with ball in hand. Didn’t have the huge game he might’ve been hoping for, but it was a solid all-round performance. Finished with 17 disposals and six marks and kicked a nice set shot. 6

5. Jeremy Cameron

This guy is a total magician and had several moments of utter brilliance on Thursday night. Everything he touched turned to gold, from a freakish first major to a classy dribble kick finish. Fox Footy’s Sarah Jones said: “Two of the best goals you’d ever hope to see.” Finished the night with 4.3 from 19 disposals. 8

7. Shaun Mannagh

What a find Mannagh has been in 2024. Picked out of the VFL as a mature-ager, the former Werribee star has become a key part of this Cats side in the back half of the season. Kicked a nice early goal, ran hard and was clean at ground level. Had 23 disposals, three goals and 528 metres gained. 8

8. Jake Kolodjashnij

Never puts up massive stats, but Kolodjashnij plays a key role in negating opposition star forwards. Had 12 touches and five marks, but his versatility is important to Scott’s defensive setup. 4

9. Max Holmes

Was arguably best on ground after another scintillating display. Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna said: “He’s been enormous, his work rate is off the charts. You can see how he covers the ground, takes on the game… without Tom Stewart he needed to have this sort of game.” Had a match-high 28 disposals and 668 metres gained at 85.7% disposal efficiency. He’s a man on a mission to finally taste premiership success after the heartbreak in 2022. 9

12. Jack Bowes

The former Sun worked hard between the arcs all night but had mixed results with ball in hand. Made something out of nothing and stood up in a tackle to kick a nice goal in the second term. Finished with 18 touches and 440 metres gained. 6

17. Lawson Humphries

Talk about finding a diamond in the rough. Humphries is another massive feather in the cap of Geelong’s list and recruitment teams. He’s such a quality ball user and was integral in launching attacks out of the back half. 20 disposals at 80% efficiency with 487 metres gained isn’t bad going in your first ever final. 8

18. Tyson Stengle

Stengle was an absolute handful for Port Adelaide’s defence all night, finishing with four goals. He just gets to the right spots and is as classy a small forward as any in the competition right now. 7

22. Mitch Duncan

The Geelong veteran spent some time off half-back to cover the loss of Tom Stewart and was a cool and composed head with ball in hand. A really well-rounded game from the September stalwart. 7

24. Jed Bews

Bews never puts up huge statistical numbers, but he plays a crucial role in curtailing the influence of opposition small forwards. Spent time on the likes of Willie Rioli and Francis Evans. 4

28. Oliver Dempsey

The Rising Star has been one of the revelations of the 2024 season and was superb in the qualifying final. Dempsey was absolutely immense when the game was there to be won, running hard on the wings to generate plenty of play. Also took a couple of nice marks. Finished with 15 disposals and six marks. 8

30. Tom Atkins

One of the most honest footballers in the competition, you know exactly what you’re going to get with the tough on-baller. He’s no frills, but he’s exactly the type of player that allows others to show off their offensive flair. Had 18 disposals at 83% efficiency. 6

32. Gryan Miers

Somehow this guy is still criminally underrated. Miers is such a crucial cog to Chris Scott’s game plan and just works so hard each and every game. He’s as crafty as they come on that half-forward line, creating plenty of opportunities for his fellow forwards. Finished the night with three goals from 21 disposals, six marks and six tackles. Subbed out in the final term as a precaution with the game well and truly won. Fox Footy’s David King said: “They work so hard up the ground and work even harder back towards goal. 8

33. Shannon Neale

Competed well in the air to give his midfielders something to kick to but will no doubt face a nervous wait ahead of the preliminary final, with veteran Tom Hawkins set to feature in the VFL this weekend. Took nine marks and kicked 2.2. 5

34. Oisin Mullin

The late inclusion for Tom Stewart, Mullin spent some time negating Power star Jason Horne-Francis. Didn’t have a huge night and was found out on a couple of occasions, albeit when he was matched up on some real opposition firepower. 4

35. Patrick Dangerfield

This guy is just built for the big stage. Geelong’s inspirational skipper put his club on his shoulder’s once more with a true captain’s performance. Dangerfield was a beast around the contest as per usual and was dominant at the coalface. Finished with 24 touches and 13 contested possessions. 8

36. Oliver Henry

Was a pretty quiet night for the ex-Pie, who finished with just 12 disposals and one goal. Was well beaten in a number of marking contests where he’ll have hoped to have been better. 4

38. Jack Henry

Had a few nervous moments early in the first term where he was caught in no man’s land, but he recovered well and was a force to be reckoned with down back in the end. Always competes well aerially and loves a spoil or two. 7

39. Zach Guthrie

Guthrie has come on in leaps and bounds in 2024 and was solid again in the qualifying final. The 26-year-old has a never say die attitude and also showed some nice composure at different stages on the big stage. Had 27 touches at a remarkable 96% efficiency and also took nine marks. 7

45. Brad Close

Works so hard up and down the ground as a key member of Geelong’s forward fleet. Had 15 touches but missed a few chances in front of the big sticks, booting 0.3. Fox Footy’s Jason Dunstall praised his work rate and said: “It’s almost leapfrog at high speed. It’s the same play rinse and repeat.” 6

46. Mark Blicavs

Was matched up on Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon for most of the night and absolutely blanketed the Power veteran. Geelong’s swiss army knife has unrivalled athleticism and running ability for a player of that size. 7