PLAYER RATINGS: See who starred and who flopped in the AFL grand final between Sydney and Geelong 

The veteran superstars of the Geelong Cats have put on an absolute masterclass with a first premiership since 2011, thrashing Sydney by 81 points at a record crowd at the MCG.

Buddy Franklin bombed in what could be his last ever grand final appearance, but the Geelong veterans shone on the big stage after losing to Richmond in the 2020 grand final. 

Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield turned back the clock with near perfect performances, while fellow veteran Isaac Smith collected his fifth premiership medal – and the Norm Smith medal as well.

GEELONG CATS

Tom Hawkins of Geelong celebrates during the AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne

Sam De Koning 8.5

Sliced and weaved through the Sydney midfield with ease in a near perfect opening quarter. Kicked his first career goal as the icing on the cake in a grand final. 

Jack Henry 5

Not hugely involved as the ball was almost permanently camped at the other end of the field. Was strong when he had to be and had seven disposals.

Jake Kolodjashnij 5

Same story as Henry. Got to enjoy plenty of time to catch his breath while the Sydney defenders were flogged mercilessly. Did his job when required. 

Tom Stewart 5

One of the contenders for the Norm Smith medal but had precious little possession in a backline that never saw the ball.

Zach Tuohy of the Cats in action during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans

Zach Tuohy 6

Was tight and tidy in defence for the Cats and made his limited touches count to repel the Swans attack, especially when they threatened in the second quarter. 

Jed Bews 2

Limited involvement, but it’s not like all 22 players can dominate at once. 

Mark Blicavs

Put in his best possible performance on the right day, popping up everywhere and seemingly predicting where the ball would be at all times.  

Mark O’Connor 4.5 

Didn’t do much, but will still join Zach Tuohy in rarified company as Irish AFL grand final winners. Was intense to the last whistle with a huge defensive chase down even though the result was beyond doubt.

Mitch Duncan of the Cats handballs whilst being tackled during the 2022 AFL Grand Final

Mitch Duncan 9.5

Seemed like he was toying with the Swans at times, with his pace and skill – plus the opening goal of the third quarter where the Cats ran away with the match.

Brad Close 8

A warrior up front, Close put his body on the line time and time again to take some crucial marks to earn himself two goals in a grand final.

Jeremy Cameron  7.5

Busy as always with 18 touches and seven score involvements along with two goals. Left the field after a poke in the eye in the third quarter, but returned in party time to kick another major and celebrate in style.

Jeremy Cameron of the Cats is congratulated by Isaac Smith of the Cats after kicking a goal

Isaac Smith 10

Collected his fifth premiership medal and is a well-deserved recipient of all of them. Hawthorn will rue ever letting this champion go. Had 32 touches, five clearances 11 inside 50s and 14 score involvements. Simply invincible. 

Tyson Stengle 9

Huge four-goal performance including a big bender from the forward pocket in the third quarter to really put the result beyond doubt. One of the best on ground.  

Tom Hawkins 8

Two crucial goals in the opening quarter busted the Swans open. Hawkins was the catalyst for the huge opening term. Radar let him down a bit late, but he was tough, willing and a key cog in the Cats success. 

Tom Hawkins of the Cats celebrates a goal by Brandan Parfitt of the Cats in the big win

Gary Rohan 2

Struggled to get a single touch or kick in a grand final winning side that had possession all day.  

Rhys Stanley 7.5

Absolutely smashed his ruck counterpart Tom Hickey and left Sydney with a question they couldn’t answer, with no backup ruck on the bench.  

Patrick Dangerfield 9

Finally, a watershed premiership for one of the true champions of the modern game. 26 touches, 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s, the man busted his guts all day to ensure he gets the flag that a player of his caliber deserves and never gave up until the final whistle. 

Cameron Guthrie 7.5

Cam Guthrie did Cam Guthrie things in a polished and involved performance the paved the way for the big victory. 

Joel Selwood of the Cats is tackled by Hayden McLean of the Swans as he dishes off the ball

Joel Selwood 9.5

Did Selwood save his best for last? Geelong put their stamp on the game in the midfield from the first whistle and Selwood was leader of the pack. A masterclass from the superstar veteran that laid the platform early for the win. Let the emotion flow with a late goal that had his teammates flocking to show him the love he deserved. 

Tom Atkins 6.5

After fighting for his place in the Geelong squad earlier this year, the mustached cult hero had a huge grand final with 16 touches and some crunching defence.

Gryan Miers 6

The long-haired Geelong star was busy all afternoon, grabbed himself a goal and rattled up the touches to starve the Swans of possession. 

Zach Guthrie 4

Another player to have limited involvement without being outstandingly bad either. Subbed off the field late to get an early shower and tin of VB in his hand. 

SYDNEY SWANS

Lance Franklin of the Swans looks dejected during the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans

Jake Lloyd 6

Dane Rampe 5

Tom McCartin 3

Nick Blakey 5

Robbie Fox 7

Oliver Florent 4

Justin McInerney 2

Luke Parker 6.5

Dylan Stephens 4

Isaac Heeney 2

Sam Reid 1

Tom Papley 6

Isaac Heeney 3

Brayden Campbell 2 

Ryan Clarke 5

Franklin had a game to forget at the worst possible time in possibly his last grand final 

Lance Franklin 1

Will Hayward 4

Tom Hickey 4

James Rowbottom 6

Callum Mills 5

Chad Warner 8

Hayden McLean 1

Errol Gulden 5.5

Paddy McCartin 4