The Collingwood Magpies have emerged victorious in one of the toughest AFL grand finals in years over the Brisbane Lions.
The result went to extremes, with several players left standing, others handing in stinkers, while it all ended too soon for one unlucky player.
Here are the player ratings for everyone who took to the MCG field for the AFL decider:
Collingwood magpies
Nathan Murphy3
Eliminated from the grand final after a headbutt in the first quarter, a cruel turn for the defender
Darcy Moore4
His misplaced kick late in the third quarter was his first touch since the first semester. He had too many chances for Brisbane, a bad day by his standards
Jeremy Howe8
The defensive line had to stand as Murphy was taken out of the game and Howe was a brick wall for the ‘Pies.
Brayden Maynard5
Aggressive at best and he was lucky to get away with a swinging arm tackle. However, it remained relatively quiet for most of the match
Billy Frampton3
A late replacement for injured forward Daniel McStay, but had limited involvement and was swamped by Brisbane
Isaac Quaynor6
Not the flashiest player, but reliable as ever and did his job with minimal fuss
Steele Side Bottom 8.5
Playing in his 31st AFL final, Sidebottom provided all the experience the ‘Pies needed and was a constant threat in a vintage performance. His late goal to push Collingwood into a ten-point lead was hugely influential
Scott Pendlebury 7.5
The former Norm Smith Medal winner had a quiet start but quickly became involved, cementing his status as one of the best Collingwood has ever produced.
Bobby Hill launches himself into the stratosphere for a pivotal point in a Norm Smith Medal-winning performance
Oleg Markov4
He did his job and not much more, but the affable man with the mustache lived the journeyman’s dream by playing in a grand final with his third club
Bobby Hill 10
There is nothing we can say that a Norm Smith Medal won’t do that. Four goals, a pocket full of disposals, big numbers, athletic running, the ‘Hill’s Hoist’ was simply unstoppable
Brody Mihocek6
Gets a bonus point for kicking an incredible goal, but was minimally involved and below his capabilities
Jamie Elliott4
Had a few chances to score a big final goal but kicked one short and the other into traffic. Fortunately it turned out not to be expensive
Beau McCreery3
Three misses on target and questions about his ability as an attacker. A stinking rush and a day to forget, but the premiership medal will erase all memories of it
Jordan De Goey 8.5
An excellent all-round performance with 18 disposals, 10 kicks, four clearances and two goals as the icing on the cake
Josh Daicos 5
He was off pace for most of the finals series and couldn’t find much of a spark in the decider
Bricklayer Cox 7
The first American-born player to win an AFL premiership, making him a world champion. Didn’t bring his kicking boots but got under the skin of the Brisbane players and did his job with a lot of bastard
Jack Crisp saved his best game of the season for the grand final and was one of Collingwood’s best on the field
Nick Daicos returned to his influential record after returning from injury for the preliminary finals last week
Nick Daicos 9
After an understated performance by his standards on his return from injury in the preliminary final, the Collingwood talisman was everywhere for the ‘Pies’.
Jack Crisp 8.5
Two crucial goals and a bag full of disposals saved his best game of the year for the biggest game of the year.
Exchange:
Tom Mitchell8
Huge influence from the substitutes bench with 21 disposals, 11 kicks and seven clearances
Darcy Cameron2
Not the back-up ruckman’s finest hour
Will Hoskin Elliott6
Did exactly what was asked of him
Jack Ginnivan3
Went to the horse races the night before the grand final. He probably could have stayed there
Emergencies:
Patrick Lipinski6
Got his chance when Murphy went down and did his job well, especially considering the circumstances. A worthy premiership winner
John Noble N/A
DNP
Finlay Macrae N/A
DNP
Harvey Harrison N/A
DNP
Brisbane Lions
Brandon Starcevich 4
Touted as Brisbane’s secret weapon. Maybe it was kept too secret
Harris Andrews4
Another defender expected to have a big game against Collingwood but failed to deliver
Darcy Gardiner4
I got hit in the head with Mason Cox and maybe should have come off, looked shaky at times
Conor McKenna4
The Irish say the All Ireland champions and Brisbane Lions have been robbed. These weren’t the best of days for McKenna
Ryan Lester4
Making a head kick that went unpunished by the officials – leading to a Collingwood goal – was probably his biggest moment of the day
Definitely one of the strongest players on the field, lining up run after run in a marathon effort
Hugh McCluggage was one of the best on the ground for the Lions, kicking a goal after a 50-yard penalty
Keidean Coleman8
Simply excellent for most of the match with a whopping 26 disposals, including 23 kicks, but without legs in the heat towards the death
Hugh McCluggage8
Chris Fagan’s decision to move him inside was a masterstroke and McCluggage was one of the Lions’ best on the pitch, including a goal from a 50-yard penalty
Josh Dunkley8
The seasoned veteran worked hard all day for the Lions and deserved more
Dayne Zorko 5
In his first grand final, the Brisbane Lions side were below their best, which Collingwood fans told him all about
Charlie Cameron6.5
Floated in and out of the match. Although largely missing, his three goals – including a crucial one in the final quarter – were crucial and kept Brisbane in the game.
Charlie Cameron had three incredible goals for the Lions, including a try in the final quarter to give Brisbane hope
Eric Hipwood2
Has been living in Joe Daniher’s shadow all season and not much has changed here. A big target that the Lions largely ignored and didn’t do much to inject themselves into the game.
Callum Ah Chee 2
He was only able to make six touches before eventually being subbed off for Jarryd Lyons
Cam Rayner 2
The No. 1 draft pick was guilty of numerous turnovers and gave away a crucial free kick on a day to forget
Joe Daniher 7
Unlike most of his teammates, Big Joe likes the G. He scored three goals to keep his team in touch, but couldn’t deliver the final blow
Big Joe Daniher scored three goals in the grand final, including one in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough
Lachie Neale received a lot of attention from Collingwood, but was still able to put in a huge performance for his side
Zac Bailey 6.5
Scored two incredible goals and was made fun of by the referees for a hasty clearance that they decided was an advantage
Oscar McInerney5
Struggled to make his mark on the game but worked hard against a determined Collingwood defensive line
Lachie Neale7
The Brownlow Medal winner was predictably capped by Collingwood and was virtually ineffective in the first quarter before finding a way to get involved
Jarrod Berry2
Cruelly dubbed the Ben Hunt of AFL after surrendering a late 50-yard penalty that ultimately made the difference.
Exchange:
Deven Robertson6.5
He scored a big goal and everything he experienced in Brisbane will carry a lot in his new home with the West Coast Eagles
Lincoln McCarthy7
Two goals off the bench were huge for the Lions
Jasper Fletcher 5
Hard to be too critical of a first-year player in a grand final
Darcy Wilmot4
Did what he had to do and nothing more
Emergencies:
Jarryd Lyons 5
Came in the final quarter as the Lions needed fresh legs
James Tunstill N/A
DNP
Darcy Fort N/A
DNP
Jack Payne N/A
DNP