Every final, we have rated every player from 1-10 as we look to crown the 2024 Mongrel Finals Player of the Year. Here are the numbers from the Grand Final, courtesy of Trent Adam Shields and Jimmy Day.
Grand Final: Sydney vs Brisbane
Sydney (Jimmy Day)
[24] Dane Rampe – 5
He breaks even because of how he conducted himself post-game. Twice in three years now he’s had to represent his club on this stage after the side were insipid and he did it with grace. On field, he competed as best he could and halved some contests and did what he could given the ease in which the Lions brought the ball forward.
[30] Tom McCartin – 1
Apparently he had 7 disposals. I didn’t even realise he was playing. The ball often lived in the Brisbane half and while having his body in the contest added a challenge to the Brisbane forwards, McCartin was basically ineffectual.
[22] Nick Blakey – 2
Some will say that this grade is harsh for 17 disposals, but he was so ineffectual he was moved forward in the final term. Took a good grab inside 50, but that was his game highlight. Callum Ah Chee burnt him repeatedly with speed, better positioning, and capitalising on Blakey’s complete lack of defensive accountability. Sure, that’s how he plays and it’s celebrated when it comes off. Today wasn’t one of those, especially in the defensive aspect. Lost a point for ducking into contact, and then complaining rather than playing the footy. It cost his team a goal.
[44] Jake Lloyd – 6
Is now 0-4 in Grand Finals. That is no doubt something that doesn’t sit well with him. He kinda played like a bloke desperate for a positive result and to buck that trend. He led his side for marks (7) to go with his 19 disposals. Gave it his all.
[7] Harry Cunningham – 2
Another role player who typically is reliable, but didn’t really fire a shot. Gave away a few free kicks and only had the 8 touches.
[43] Lewis Melican – 2
I think he was on Hipwood who didn’t dominate, but Melican had some really dicey moments in defence with the ball on the deck. Wasn’t clean and had the fumbles when the heat was on. He’s a blue collar footballer who got found out a little bit today. That’s footy sometimes and hopefully he can find a way to work on his composure in the off season.
[17] James Jordon – 5
Went to Zorko early and did an okay job. As the game went, he got moved around to try and put out fires and take others out of the game. I give him a pass – just – because of his durability and flexibility and the fact that he was called on to do a huge job multiple times and gave his all.
[1] Chad Warner – 5
The Chad is an interesting one. He’s one of my favourite players to watch when in full flight. He has form in Grand Finals with being the only real contributor in 2022. He wasn’t quite the same today, and had his most influence too late to count. We did get to see some trademark bursts from centre bounces and he hit the scoreboard as he often does. Too much was left for him to do around the ball, and the Lions mids were dominant.
[13] Oliver Florent – 3
Another player who’d like his time again. People will no doubt question this, given his equal team high disposals, but what did he actually do with the ball? He’s a great link up player and distributor, which we didn’t really see much of at all today. You get 100 disposals but it means nothing if it doesn’t have an impact.
[26] Luke Parker – 3.5
I’m probably being generous with this rating for Parker, and it’s solely for his two last quarter goals and seeming likelihood to desert a sinking ship. Parker wasn’t really done many favours being asked to try and limit the effect of the bigger Harris Andrews. Parker then went on the ball in the second half. Finished with three goals from his 14 touches, and six tackles. On the surface, those stats are okay. But that’s the issue with isolated stats – they tell a story, but not necessarily the correct story.
[6] Logan McDonald – 0
Swans fans would rightly have a gripe with the coaches after McDonald’s selection. They played an injured Sam Reid for no impact in 2022 and have done the same with McDonald today. A solitary disposal in a half of footy. He had no impact and that meant that the Lions defenders were able to zone off and do what they liked. A day to forget for Logan.
[21] Errol Gulden – 4.5
Definitely not Errol’s best today. Had a few opportunities to lower his eyes going forward, but didn’t always execute as he has all season long. Much like his side he had fleeting moments, but not consistent across the day. His score is probably harsh, but it’s reflective of the high standard he has set for himself.
[11] Tom Papley – 2
Kicked a great early goal, but then spent the rest of the day in Brandon Starcevich’s back pocket. Reports are that he’s still there, trying to sneak a beer. Papley is the Swans fire-starter. He gets them going. Unfortunately not even he could get some life into the Swans.
[36] Joel Amartey – 1
Had his first kick halfway through the third quarter. A set shot, almost straight in front, and he kicked it out on the full. That basically summed up his game and the day his team had.
[9] Will Hayward – 2.5
Kicked the opening goal with some quick thinking to take advantage, but after that, relatively unsighted. No doubt it was tough to be a Sydney forward today, but even for Hayward, who is one of their more reliable goal kickers, he just couldn’t get into the game at all.
[4] Brodie Grundy – 5.5
This is an interesting one. He had some moments where he won taps to advantage or looked like he was a contest away from ripping the game open … But he didn’t. He was the highest rated Swan based on Champion Data metrics, but that doesn’t fly on the eye test. The longer the game went, the less effective he became. He tried hard and competed, but it wasn’t a dominant game.
[5] Isaac Heeney – 4
You could tell that Heeney wasn’t at his best today. Post-game it was revealed he was playing with a fracture in his ankle – kudos for pushing through the discomfort. He had one or two moments where he threatened to come to life and pull the Swans back into the game, but those moments dissipated as quickly as they arrived. Today is one of the few blemishes on an incredible season.
[8] James Rowbottom – 7.5
Probably the Swans best player. His effort didn’t wane, and he tried to body the Lions mids albeit to no avail. He was banged up by the end, symbolic of his team, but gave his all. Deserves more respect put on his name – to the level of some of his more esteemed teammates who were no-shows today.
[34] Matt Roberts – 4
I did a double take looking at the stats. I would not have guessed Roberts had 19 touches. He’s had a great year and become a consistent and reliable member of this Swans side. He can look back on his year and be proud of his growth. Today, he wasn’t alone in not being great, but also, he was far from the worst.
[27] Justin McInerney – 1.5
The question was asked in the Mongrel chat if McInerney was playing. He was, but didn’t do much. I think his namesake on the opposing side had more influence on the game and he never left the bench. McInerney is one of the overlap runners for the Swans, and often finds himself in good positions. Today, he seemed a bit shellshocked. This was most noticeable in one contest in his defensive 50 where he had space, could have taken possession and used his speed, but he chose to knock it on blindly and it resulted in a turnover. It was clear he didn’t want body contact. It’s a Grand Final, Justin. If you can’t handle the heat, go and play Lawn Bowls.
[2] Hayden McLean – 2
Like his fellow tall forwards, McLean didn’t have a great day. He was the only one of the three that looked like he could take a contested mark though, but was soundly beaten whenever he went in the ruck, not being able to go with Joe Daniher at ground level, in particular.
[42] Robbie Fox – 7
He’s one of the Swans great role players. He has versatility and provides options on a regular basis. Today he featured at both ends and ran hard to get involved. He hit the scoreboard and made himself an option all game. One of the few Swans who gets a pass mark.
[SUB – 16] Braeden Campbell – 2
Played a quarter and a half and has had half quarters as a sub with more impact. In his defence, it’s hard to come on with your team being soundly beaten and find a way to make a considerable contribution. He was equal-third in regards to team tackles with 3.
Brisbane (Trent Shields)
[15] Dayne Zorko – 7
Kept well under wraps in the first half with only 9 touches as Jordon employed a hard tag, but was able to work his way into the game thereafter as the Swan run with player moved to McCluggage. Had a further 17 disposals after the long break to finish basically at season average for touches, intercept possessions and score involvements. Also finished with the third highest pressure acts and second highest tackles for his team. Well deserved premiership player and may just add the Merrett-Murray medal to his stellar year.
[31] Harris Andrews – 8
Controlled the airways as he has done so regularly in his career, and in the crowning game so far took another ten marks as the Lions recorded 70 more in this category than their vanquished opponent. Led the game in one percenters with 11, and added a customary six spoils and four intercept marks in a dominant performance but less required of him as the ball just didn’t enter the D50 that often.
[44] Darcy Wilmot – 5
Quieter than usual, but more through not being required as much as opposition interference or stage fright. A couple of trademarked runs through the lines, but ultimately only 199m gained (about half of his season average) from his 15 touches.
[40] Jack Payne – 8
Even though clearly not at 100% health late in the season, was a very important cog in that important last defensive role, allowing Andrews and others a little less responsibility. Nullified each of the tall Swans he stood, returned a game-high eight spoils, ten one-percenters and eight marks.
[35] Ryan Lester – 7
Not as influential as the past couple of finals, but still an important player, leading the game with 11 marks, winning his two one on one contests, but unusually turned over 40% of his 15 touches. Regardless, an extremely well deserved flag for a career journeyman player who is getting better with age.
[28] Jaspa Fletcher – 6
A really good performance by another Father/Son player in the Lions colours as Jaspa’s 18 touches delivered 425m, more than 180m above his season average from about the same number of disposals. Was cleaner and more decisive than he can be at times, under the fiercest spotlight and one of a large number of Lion cubs that will continue to improve.
[8] Will Ashcroft – 10
A coming of age finals series ended with the Norm Smith Medal in a stunning performance where the Father/Son player was calmer, more agile, harder at the ball and used it far better than the highly credentialed triumvirate of Swan’s mids. Capped off his day with a momentum stopping goal in the third term and became the youngest ever winner of probably the highest honour in the game, in just his 31st match.
[6] Hugh McCluggage – 7
Started with nine touches and a long goal in the first, but only added another 12 touches for the game as he was worn pretty closely by Sydney’s glove, James Jordon. Led the game with a massive 29 pressure acts as well as an equal second high six tackles in a great contribution to this drought breaking flag as one of the team’s stars.
[16] Cam Rayner – 7
Perhaps didn’t break the game open like he can when is really on, but was a solid contributor throughout which might be just as valuable to Coach Fagan. Took a towering mark in the third term and duly converted to put his side in front by ten goals. Worked hard without the ball as 15 pressure acts attests. Becomes just the fifth #1 draft pick to win a premiership medal after Banfield (WCE), Headland (BL), Hodge (Haw) and Boyd (GWS/WB).
[3] Joe Daniher – 9
If not for some wayward finishing would have won the Norm Smith that just eluded him last year as he returned 2.4 with two other opportunities in the goal square that realistically could have seen him finish with a dozen or more goals. As it was he was extremely damaging both up forward with a game high 12 score involvements from his 16 touches, or on ball with four clearances and two direct goal assists along with two big contested marks. If this does turn out to be his swansong, he goes out at the absolute top and is probably the best KPF of the past five years (pipe down Cameron and Curnow fans).
[7] Jarrod Berry – 7
A very good game by the young Lion veteran as he collected twenty touches, ten marks and kicked a very nice set shot goal from a turnover in the second term as the Lions took control of the game. Tends to play his best at the MCG in September and this match will proudly sit alongside other fine games in his career as he limited the impact of Gulden and McInerney respectively on the wing.
[23] Charlie Cameron – 6
A real almost game for Charlie who finally wins a flag at his third attempt. Should have had two goals and two HTBs in the first term as he worked extremely hard both ways, but it didn’t quite end up that way. Missed another sitter in the third term, but highlights reels will forever replay that sweet snap in the first term and the ensuing acapella ‘Country Road’ that rang around the famous coliseum by Lions and neutral fans alike.
[30] Eric Hipwood – 6
Was involved throughout the game, disrupting the Swans intercept players with strong contesting and returned seven score involvements from his nine disposals. A direct goal assist and a spectacular goal and nod to the great Jason Akermanis celebration will be a lasting memory. Often maligned, but played his role well on the biggest stage.
[33] Zac Bailey – 5
Got a bit of the ball, seventeen touches, but lacked his usual zip and line breaking highlights. Two goal assists were fantastic, but only five score involvements when you’d usually expect more damage from him with the ball in his hand so often.
[32] Darcy Fort – 6
Competed well all day against a much more fancied player, attending 58 ruck contests and winning 19 hit autism with five to his teams advantage. Had 12 disposals and four clearances and could have kicked a goal to really put an exclamation mark on a superb game deputising for the injured Oscar. One of those great stories where a hardworking professional well outside the star level is rewarded for his commitment and dedication. The clear winner now from the 3-way trade that saw Fort, Ceglar and Lynch switch clubs in late 2021.
[5] Josh Dunkley – 9
The now two-time premiership player who was famously overlooked by the Swans as a Father/Son selection, has made that decision a living nightmare claiming both his flags against his father’s club. Matched up against Sydney’s talisman, Isaac Heeney, he limited his impact and space to operate, a task no one else has effectively managed in 2024 (it must be declared that the news Heeney was playing with a fractured ankle no doubt contributed to his subdued performance,but no doubt Dunkley completed his job with aplomb). 21 disposals, four clearances, a game high 11 tackles, and 24 pressure acts underlined yet another no fuss but incredibly valuable outing for this underrated star.
[9] Lachie Neale – 10
The two-time Brownlow winner, five time club B&F winner, four time AA and almost certainly the 2024 Gary Ayres Medalist was so close to adding the Norm Smith to this all time list of career achievements, but I’m certain he’ll happily accept that long awaited premiership medal as ample compensation. Playing further behind the ball after the stoppages (where he was electric winning six centre clearances from his match high nine) he mopped up countless Swans attacks with his 35 touches at the extraordinary 86% – well above his season average of 74%. Later revealed he’s been dealing with a serious foot injury throughout the finals, a worthy first recipient of the Ron Barassi medal for the Premiership captain.
[1] Kai Lohmann – 9
The Brisbane rising star placegetter was a menace for the Swans defenders, as he’s proven for all opposition teams this September. Four goals, including the first two for his side when the Swans had looked to settle better early were all taken with a level of calm precision you’d expect from a much more experienced player. The Lions possess so many match winners, and Lohmann played his role to perfection filling the huge gap left by the absence of the unlucky Linc McCarthy.
[4] Callum Ah Chee – 10
What a September from the reinvented defensive forward Ah Chee. It’s not a stretch to call him the player of the finals and he could’ve easily had a handful of goals if not for a narrow miss in the last term, which might have rocketed him up the NSM leaderboard from his third placing. His primary job was to stop the influence of Sydney’s Lizard Blakey, and he did that so effectively the Swan AA was moved forward late in the game, meanwhile he more than hurt them going the other way kicking four goals in a game that will forever shift him from underrated.
[13] Logan Morris – 7
The second round draftee from last season is now a premiership player in just his 19th game, and was a terrific player in this match. Two goals, a direct goal assist, a couple of contested marks amongst his half dozen and some powerful contesting and positioning that belied his inexperience.
[37] Brandon Starcevich – 9
Probably unlucky not to be acknowledged in the NSM voting, and was surely in the next one or two for each of the judges. Took five intercept marks from his total of eight, as he repeatedly positioned himself in the right place to cut off attacking thrusts. Matched up against the dangerous Tom Papley he completely overpowered the Swan and was yet another two way contributor in maroon & blue. Joined his father, Craig (Collingwood 1990), as a premiership player.
[43] Noah Answerth – 6
Another no fuss game from the Lions small defender, he contributed 302m gain for his team, an increase of 33% on his season’s average as he repelled the Swans infrequent attacks, and turned them to advantage with six score involvements.
[SUB – 26] Conor McKenna – 5
Only 10% of game time as McKenna played the sub role again, was able to generate three kicks and two marks in that short time, and was super important last week getting the Lions to the big stage. After taking a hiatus on his career a few years back now joins other members of his Irish brethren to claim a coveted premiership winners medal.
