Grading every player as the Cats charge into the Grand Final

The Cats have roared into a Grand Final, claiming a superb five goal victory over the Hawks in front of a record crowd.

Geelong secured the clearance game early but it was the Hawks that hit the scoreboard first, booting the opening three goals off the back of incredibly high pressure and elite spread.

Securing ground position, Hawthorn held the Cats to just nine points in the first term, generating repeat entries with composure and swarming on loose balls to remain dangerous.

The Hawks appeared well drilled, picking apart the Cats' defensive set up on multiple occasions to allow for repeat scores from Mitch Lewis. That said, Geelong kept coming as good sides do, charging down the Hawks' early lead to take a one point advantage into the main break.

It was all Geelong to start the third, as their extra weeks' break and superior September experience began to prevail.

The Hawks remained within touching distance and maintained hope, but the Cats' professional outfit dealt with the contest in top fashion, charging into a Grand Final with a 30-point win.

We graded every player in the brilliant contest at the MCG.

See our player ratings below:

GEELONG

Patrick Dangerfield: A+

Ever so dangerous, wherever deployed. Clearances in the middle, crashing packs in the forward half, played every role asked of him to an exceptional level. A credit to the Cats' management over the season to keep Danger ripe at this stage of the season. 32 disposals, 21 contested, eight clearances and three goals - a true masterpiece of a captain's performance.

Tom Atkins: A+

Tasked with slowing Jai Newcombe and got the better of the star Hawk. Nullified Newcombe's centre clearance game while farming clearances of his own, Atkins was electric on the inside all night.

Max Holmes: A

Came to life in the second term and propelled his side forward all night. Constant run and elite pressure, the star was the difference in forcing the game on Geelong's terms.

Bailey Smith: A

Does not stop running. Found himself in the right spot consistently, significantly lifted his defensive presence and topped it off with a goal to close.

Gryan Miers: A

Messi-like playmaking. Can pick the eyes out of a back 50 like no other in the game, and did so on multiple occasions across the night.

Jeremy Cameron: A-

You can never truly shut Jez out. Was hardly threatening in the first half, but as all stars do, he came to life in the premiership quarter to pile on the pressure.

Oisin Mullin: A-

Took on the Wiz and held him to absolutely no impact. Only five touches and a miracle goal from Watson, Mullin has locked up stars in back-to-back weeks.

Zach Guthrie: A-

Lifted superbly in Stewart's absence. 10 intercepts and 21 touches, he will have to perform at his best next week to fill the Stewart-sized hole in the back half.

Mark Blicavs: B+

The hit-out battle was hardly in his favour, however dominated around the ground. Double digit tackles, stood up as the solo ruck brilliantly.

Tyson Stengle: B+

Kicked three top goals and had a blistering second half to ice the game.

Shaun Mannagh: B

'Almost' night for Mannagh... until he delivered exactly when called upon. 15 and two on the night.

Ollie Dempsey: B

Slow start but once again proved a threat charging forward as he does so well.

SUB: Jhye Clark: B-

Subbed into the game at QT and hardly gave an inch. A turnover he'd want back in the third, but played a top role otherwise.

Jack Bowes: B-

Superb role player.

Shannon Neale: B-

Had the reach on Tom Barrass, presented well and often. Minimal return, but a strong effort throughout.

Connor O’Sullivan: C+

Jack Martin: C+

Sam De Koning: C+

Disposal use was rather underwhelming but did his bit defensively.

Mark O’Connor: C

Brad Close: C

Had opportunities that he couldn't quite capitalise on.

Lawson Humphries: C

Jack Henry: C-

Ankle injury early proved a major hindrance across the night. Will be a huge watch ahead of next week.

Tom Stewart: N/A

Unfortunately for the Cats, Stewart copped a nasty blow late in Q1 that saw him removed from the game with concussion. A heartbreaking outcome for the star, who will miss next week's Grand Final.

HAWTHORN

Josh Battle: A

Tasked with Jeremy Cameron and did an excellent job. Elite first season with the Hawks.

Dylan Moore: A

Maximum damage with ball in hand. Played his best game for the Hawks' finals series.

Conor Nash: A-

Provided heat early, damaging in the front half and kept at it all night. Matched the intensity throughout, topped the Hawks' clearance count.

Jack Gunston: A-

Quite simply ageless. Ended his best career season with another great night. Three goals, and by far the Hawks' most dangerous.

Mitch Lewis: B+

Booted the first of the game in style, delivered every time he was called upon. Three majors in the first half, slowed late but a strong enough return prior to the conditions.

Jai Newcombe: B+

Definitely not his best finals performance, but a strong game nonetheless. 20 and five clearances with plenty of attention is a solid return, but was always going to be difficult to match his prior weeks.

Mabior Chol: B

Brilliant composure to set up the first, offered a bit but a few errors he'd want back. Competed well as the second ruck and tried all night, definitely cannot fault his effort.

Tom Barrass: B

Took on the bigger frame of Shannon Neale and did really well to hold him to just one major.

Karl Amon: B

Tried all night, plenty of touch and run but couldn't spark any movement late on.

James Sicily: B-

Patrolled the back 50 superbly well in the first half, couldn't do much to stem the Cats late.

Connor Macdonald: C+

Offered a different look for the Hawks.

Jack Scrimshaw: C+

Blake Hardwick: C+

Eight intercepts.

James Worpel: C+

A little indecisive a little too often.

Jack Ginnivan: C+

Provided plenty in the first half, quietened as the balance transferred.

Jarman Impey: C

Shut out of the contest in the first half, but shifted forward and proved somewhat of a threat.

Massimo D’Ambrosio: C

Josh Ward: C

Unable to match last week's heroics.

Lloyd Meek: C-

Dominated the hit-out battle but couldn't spark any sort of clearance game.

Nick Watson: D

Kicked an impossible goal but was well held by Oisin Mullin all night. Sent back to try to spark involvement to no avail. Regrettable night for the Wizard.

Josh Weddle: D

Couldn't find a way to get involved.

Sam Butler: N/A

Couldn't match last week's impact, was subbed out in the third term.

SUB: Changkuoth Jiath: N/A

Introduced within the third quarter to try to stem Geelong's momentum.

Geelong have a huge week ahead as they prepare for the Grand Final, while the Hawks can hold their heads high as they reset and prepare to go again in 2026.