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 delivered an absolute masterclass with their first premiership since 2011, beating Sydney by 81 points to a record crowd in the MCG.

Buddy Franklin bombed in what could be his last grand final ever, 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 took home his fifth premiership medal – as well as the Norm Smith medal.

GEELONG CATS

Sam The King 8.5

Cut and weaved through Sydney’s 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 on the other side of the field. Was strong when it needed to be and had seven divestments.

Jake Kolodjashnij 5

Same story as Henry. Got plenty of time to catch his breath as the Sydney defenders were beaten mercilessly. Did the job when needed.

Tom Stewart 5

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

Zach Tuohy 6

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

Jed Bews 2

Limited involvement, but not all 22 players can dominate at once.

Mark Blicavs

Putting on 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 exalted company as winners of the Irish AFL Grand Final. Was intense until the final whistle with a massive defensive chase, although the result was beyond doubt.

Mitch Duncan 9.5

He seemed to play with the Swans at times, with his speed and skill – plus the opening goal of the third quarter, where the Cats walked away with the game.

Brad Close 8

Close, a fighter up front, put his body on the line again and again to score some crucial points to earn two goals in a grand final.

Jeremy Cameron 7.5

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

Isaac Smith 10

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

Tyson Stengle 9

Huge performance with four goals including a big bend from the front pocket in the third quarter to really put the result beyond doubt. One of the best on the ground.

Tom Hawkins 8

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

Gary Rohan 2

Difficulty getting a single touch or kick in a grand final winning game that had possession all day.

Rhys Stanley 7.5

He 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 turning point premiership for one of the true champions of the modern game. With 26 touches, 9 clearances, 7 in 50’s, the man spent all day busting his guts to ensure he gets the flag a player of his caliber deserves and never gave up until the final whistle.

Cameron Guthrie 7.5

Cam Guthrie did Cam Guthrie stuff in a polished and engaged performance and paved the way for the big win.

Joel Selwood 9.5

Did Selwood save his best for last? Geelong left their mark on the game in midfield from the first whistle and Selwood led the pack. A masterclass from the superstar veteran who set the stage 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 mustachioed cult hero had a huge grand finale with 16 touches and a cracking defense.

Gryan Miers 6

The long-haired Geelong star was at it all afternoon, netting a goal and rattling the strikes to starve the Swans of possession.

Zach Guthrie 4

Another player who has limited involvement without being extremely bad as well. He fell off the field late to get an early shower and a can of VB in his hand.

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

Braden Campbell 2

Ryan Clarke 5

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