The Hawks marched on to the second week of finals, and left the Giants wondering what could have been. JB Eddy and Disco Monagle have the player ratings from the 2025 Elimination Final.
GWS (Disco)
A pretty poor effort by the Giants at Engie Stadium against the Hawks, except for a purple patch in the third quarter when they bounced back into the game and momentarily held the lead for a split second before the Hawks ran away again with the match.
All of the Giants stars, and I mean all (except Whitfield), had games they would rather forget.
[39] Connor Idun – 4
Like his fellow teammates down back Idun was way off his best against the Hawks.
With the All Australian Sam Taylor having a rare bad day the door was open for Idun to step into the breach and take control down back, but it just wasn’t in him on the day.
[15] Sam Taylor – 3
With 42 seconds left on the clock Sam was outmuscled by Mabior Chol, who goaled – that one late play summed up Taylor’s terrible game.
Sam Taylor gets a mulligan for this match, however the pressure is now on him next season to see how he performs in big games. It was the worst game I have seen from Taylor.
[27] Harry Himmelberg – 3
At halftime I noted Harry needed to improve as he was having a complete Barry Crocker.
Sadly for poor old Harry his game from hell carried through into the second half with his final humiliation being caught by Sam Butler late in the last quarter for holding the ball, which resulted in a goal.
Harry is like a number of teammates who will not be looking forward to his exit interview next week.
[6] Lachie Whitfield – 8
Lachie is one of the most consistent players in the AFL and no blame can be apportioned his way in the aftermath of this game.
Apart from Lachie Ash and Joe Fonti in the third quarter up back, the best of Whitfield’s work couldn’t inspire his team to rise to the occasion with him.
Whitfield is the epitome of the ultimate selfless team man.
[21] Leek Aleer – 4
Leek Aleer had a bad day in the office, however he still competed well.
Aleer wasn’t the worst defensive player for the Giants, but as Taylor, Himmelberg and Idun were having mares down back, Aleer missed his chance to be the ‘man’ for the day.
There are rumours about his future next year, and it will be interesting to see where he lands.
[7] Lachie Ash – 8
With 28 possessions and 803 metres gained Lachie Ash was amongst the Giants best.
Ash’s third quarter was sublime as the GWS stormed their way back into the match, and even in the last when the tide turned back the Hawks way Ash fought the game right to the finish. A good solid, polished performance by Lachie.
[22] Josh Kelly [Sub] – 8
Josh was subbed into the match just before halftime due to an injury to Darcy Jones.
In the third quarter Kelly sparked his team with his class and pace amassing 14 possessions and a couple of goals.
It is rare a substitute player would get high marks in such a review but Kelly’s second half was inspirational.
Joni Mitchell sung the famous line, “…you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”, which is applicable to Kelly’s half of football which highlighted what was missing from the Giants game for the majority of the year – pure class. Kelly is all class.
[3] Stephen Coniglio – 6.5
Coniglio is now the type of player who often flies under the radar.
Coniglio was one the Giants best at halftime and while he plateaued out in the second half he still finished the game with 14 possessions and nine in and under tackles.
He is not the player he once was, but he has adapted his game to maximise his value to the team.
[9] Ryan Angwin – 7
Angwin proved he was capable of performing under finals pressure with an 18 possession game as well as five marks and four tackles for the game.
At 23 years of age young Ryan Angwin is ready to make his mark with the Giants in coming years. Good, solid performance.
[14] Toby Bedford – 5.5
It is just as hard to criticise Bedford’s game against the Hawks as it is to praise him.
It was a nothing game by Bedford. If Bedford’s effort at Engie was an ice-cream flavour it would be vanilla.
[5] Aaron Cadman – 5
The Giants forward line had no potency for most of the match, and while Cadman was not the only forward to fluff his lines, his near misses were magnified under the glare of finals pressure.
Cadman has a great future and he looked dangerous in this match, however he still hasn’t matured enough yet to take control of a game when Hogan, Stringer and/or Greene are having shockers.
The next phase in Cadman’s career should be getting him ready to take more responsibility.
It is easy for Cadman to be considered a good player (and he is) when he is the third forward option, but can he still be a good player when he is the first or second option? Time will tell.
[2] Darcy Jones – 6.5
In the half where not many Giants could hold their heads high, Darcy Jones was one of the few who was attacking the ball and trying to draw the pressure.
In the first quarter he beautifully lowered his kick and found Riccardi on the lead who goaled.
It was a classy passage of play.
In the second quarter Darcy kicked one of the best goals of his career from the boundary over 50m out when he just let the ball sail on the breeze for a freak goal.
Sadly, it looks like it might be Jones’ last game for a while as he was subbed out just before halftime with what looks like a serious knee injury.
[4] Toby Greene – 2.5
In the last quarter Toby, who was having a bad day, had a couple of opportunities to lift his team over the line as they stormed back into the game, but he missed.
Toby is a champion player and he has carried his team over the line many times in the past, but today he just had the yips. I never thought I would rate Toby Greene and Sam Taylor so lowly in any match, let alone in the same match.
[23] Jesse Hogan – 6.5
Three goals from nine possession and five marks under normal circumstances would normally mean a good game by a power forward, but Jesse could have delivered so much more.
Hogan’s only real highlight for the match was the goal he snapped late in the third quarter just after he lost his feet in the goal square.
Hogan didn’t look fully fit and while he tried hard his lack of match fitness leading into this match showed.
It was a good-ish, okay-ish game by last season’s Coleman Medalist.
[46] Callum Brown – 4.5
From the very first bounce it became obvious Brown wasn’t going to have a great game and it played out that way.
Like a few other Giants, Brown’s career seems to be at the crossroads.
That is not to say Brown is not a valued player at Engie and nor would he be a bad pickup for another club, but his career needs to go somewhere. The Giants have now lost their last four finals and changes must be made.
[32] Kieren Briggs – 8
The battle between Briggs and Meek was a ripper with big Kieren probably taking the points over Lloyd.
Briggs kicked a brilliant freak goal off the ground in a second quarter highlight for the big man.
Briggs’ stellar ruck craft in the third quarter was the nucleus of the Giants comeback after they dropped 42 points behind.
Every time I see Briggs play he just continues to improve and it would not surprise if one day he was considered for All Australian selection (he is not there yet). Briggs never gave up and he fought the game right out.
[17] Finn Callaghan – 9.5
How bloody good is Finn Callaghan?
It is a rhetorical question as everybody at the GWS already knows how good he is, but the rest of the footballing public is only now catching on.
Callaghan was the Giants best player, and he has served notice on his opponents next season he is a special talent. The four year contract extension he signed earlier this year is looking like a bargain.
[12] Tom Green – 7
At three quarter time Tom was vying with Lachie Whitfield and Finn Callaghan as the Giants best, but he fell away a bit in the last quarter when the Giants really needed him to stand up against the Hawks mids and runners. Green, of the Tom variety, is a special kind of talent.
[37] Joe Fonti – 7
In the third quarter Joe Fonti lifted his energy and output to be a vital part of the Giants resurgence.
Statistically Fonti had an average game, but as a role player when it was his turn to be the spark for the Giants he went on a couple of long runs from the backline breaking the Hawks defensive wall, especially in the third term. There is a lot to like about Fonti.
[26] Jake Riccardi – 6.5
Riccardi is another Giants player who had an almost game.
One goal, eight marks, three tackles and 15 possession reads like a good solid game, but Riccardi’s game could have been so much more if he just didn’t make critical errors at critical times in the match.
Riccardi was the best of the Giants forwards and he more than held his own on a day when his more celebrated teammates were having bad days, but it could have been so much more.
[33] Xavier O’Halloran – 6
Like Joe Fonti, Xavier lifted his energy and output after halftime and he was sublime in the third quarter when the Giants held momentum, but that was kinda it really.
O’Halloran is a good consistent role player who a coach can rely upon each week to get the job done, but like many of his compatriots in this review he doesn’t have another gear to go to the next level when the stars are being done over.
[1] Harvey Thomas – 6.5
Harvey Thomas tried hard throughout the entire match, but he is not a match winner.
One goal, five tackles and 14 possessions would be on par with Thomas’ statistics for the year, as such he had a good game, but,,,,,
Like Idun, Riccardi, O’Halloran and a few others Thomas is a role player who plays his roles but lacks an extra gear to lift their game when required.
I have never noticed this before, but the Giants have a surplus of role players like Thomas who can be relied upon week to week to get their job done, but they lack the spark needed to drive their team into genuine premiership contention.
[20] Jake Stringer – 2.5
A very average game from the mercurial Stringer as he let his teammates down again.
It may sound harsh, but the difference between Stringer’s best and worst is stark, and sadly his worst is abysmal.
A couple of nice touches in the third quarter does not make up for his lacklustre effort in the other three quarters.
It has all been said about Jake before how he just drifts in and out of games when it suits him, and I question whether he is now just a liability to the Giants.
Further, is it worth it for the Giants investing in Stringer for next season?
There is more Sir Les Patterson in Jake Stringer than the star power of Dame Edna Everage.
[0] Disco’s Dead Nana
My Dead Nana was so tough that she could crush coal into rough diamonds in her mighty strong hands and she is spitting chips at some of the efforts by Giants players.
Jake Stringer, be warned, she has her eye on you and not just because of your package, in fact she reckons you need to grow a pair.
Sam Taylor and Toby Greene you have dumbfounded her by your insipid performances in a game that really mattered.
As for you Mr Pretty Boy Taylor, she is so disappointed in your performance that she has ripped down your half naked poster strategically positioned above her heavenly (or satanic, we aren’t sure?) bed.
Hawthorn (JB)
It’s hard to rate a back-and-forth game like this. Hawthorn won, but a flawless win would be one where they don’t give up seven goals in a row, but it’d also be unfair to downgrade someone because GWS took their chances when that player wasn’t responsible for the issue.
So, I’ve rated based on just how much impact I reckon they’ve had.
[24] Josh Battle – 6
I’m probably being a bit harsh on Battle here — he had some key moments when the game was turning against the Hawks — but he was outbodied a little too often for my liking. As a seasoned key position player, he should be able to keep a lid on his opponent better than he did here. Some solid zone defence saved him from the full impact of his struggles, but he’ll want to finish the next match with a few more bruises than he had here.
[37] Tom Barrass – 8
Not the biggest stat line, but he bossed the defence early when it mattered. Took body, took air, and was generally very hard to peel off of his opponent. Giants started finding holes later, but Barrass had already set the tone for his side, and was influential when they responded after the Giants surge.
[15] Blake Hardwick – 8
Only 20 touches and five tackles, but showed some incredible desperation, keeping Giants skipper and talisman goalless. Worked his arse off to make contests, and managed to pick up a career-high 14 intercept possessions. He had the sort of game that frustrates opposing coaches when he generates rebounds from what should have been their attacking thrust. Scrappy as hell, but that’s what finals footy is, and he looked right at home for a majority of the match.
[4] Jarman Impey – 9
Every kick looked like it was GPS-tracked, and with 960 metres gained, it’d have to be. Had the Giants chasing shadows for three quarters. The only thing he couldn’t hit was the scoreboard — missing a late one that would’ve iced it. But honestly, his numbers don’t tell the full story. His absolute gut-busting run to make himself an option caused GWS to spread to cover him, opening up other players. His ability to work hard and often gave opportunities to others on the ground, and you can’t ask more in a final.
[6] James Sicily – 8
17 touches, eleven intercepts, and plenty of yelling at opponents. And teammates. Fans too. I think even some of the local seagulls copped a spray. Played the General, but then opened his gob post-game about it “not feeling like a final outside Melbourne.” I’m sure that won’t get a mention in the media…
[16] Massimo D’Ambrosio – 6
Played the safe handball link-up game. Not bad, but when Amon and Impey are taking the scenic route, Massimo feels like the guy on a road trip who stares out the window pointing out petrol stations.
[10] Karl Amon – 9
721 metres gained, and one very gift-wrapped 50m penalty goal thanks to Callum Brown deciding to try boxing Worpel in the ribs. Whether it was there or not, you don’t argue with free chocolate. Amon was a machine, running like Forrest Gump, but occasionally kicking like he was Forrest as well.
[25] Josh Ward – 6
Some neat passes by foot, five clearances. Worked hard without stealing the limelight. If the Hawks were a band, he was the steady drummer keeping the timing on point.
[13] Dylan Moore – 5
19 touches, six marks and two clearances is a decent game, but two brain fades nearly undid the lot: the Q1 turnover that gave GWS a let off, and the late miss that had every Hawk fan preparing their capslock key. He put in the effort, but he’ll be sweating on the results.
[31] Connor Macdonald – 8.5
Three big goals in a half of a do-or-die final. If Gunston was the scalpel, Macdonald was the sledgehammer. He just kept bobbing up, finishing like he’d been doing it for a decade. Best finals cameo since Stevie J.
He worked hard all day, but did go missing for the portion where GWS had a run on. Still, I can’t really blame him when it was his delivery that was stifled.
[18] Mabior Chol – 8
Seven tackles, two goals. And one of those goals was the kill-shot — 18 seconds after Butler’s clutch set shot he worked hard to pressure Sam Taylor, tackle him, get up, gather and snap a goal and the heartstrings of the Giants faithful. I liked his work today, playing a game of three card monte with Gunston and Macdonald to confuse the Giants defence as they were forced into more 1-on-1 contests than they’d have liked.
[34] Nick Watson – 6
An early goal had the crowd buzzing, then… silence. He put in the effort, but the moment just didn’t find him. Just a fraction too late for much of the game, meaning a ball that he could possibly have gathered and snapped instead found the boundary or a slight hesitation that resulted in him being put under too much pressure to deliver properly. Not a bad match, but he wasn’t as influential as he’d like to have been. He’ll be better for the experience though.
[19] Jack Gunston – 8
No doubt he’s got about six packets of frozen peas icing up his veteran body right now, but his contribution makes the pain easily bearable. Three impactful goals from eight touches, some crucial marks and a genuine presence meant the GWS defence had to constantly choose whether to cover him, Macdonald, Chol, Watson or Ginnivan. Too often they chose… poorly.
[35] Calsher Dear – 4
One nice set shot in the first, then the hook. An interrupted year has resulted in inconsistent results, certainly capable of kicking a bag like he did in last year’s Elimination Final but this one tasted like Gatorade on the bench. Only five touches, no marks and one tackle. Will need to lift his intensity to stay in the squad, especially with Mitch Lewis dobbing four straight in Box Hill’s come from behind win.
[33] Jack Ginnivan – 8
Imagine being Aaron Cadman. He misses a sitter, and who else but Ginni turns around and goes BANG-BANG within a minute? It’s bad enough having it happen, but to have him be the one doing it when you know he’s going to mention it seventeen times per breath must just add so much sting to the moment.That’s the thing with him — he’s a smug little shit when you’re against him, but you’d name your firstborn after him when he’s in brown and gold. Three goals, all dripping with theatre and full of the emotional fire that lifts teammates and fans, while royally pissing off opponents.
[17] Lloyd Meek – 9
Meek has flown under the radar a bit in his career so far, being a bit of a quiet achiever. That wasn’t the case today though, as he was bloody seismic. 40 hitouts, 18 disposals (10 contested), 7 clearances. If Briggs was the tsunami, Meek was the rock wall. Giants mids will be checking their ribs for bruises shaped like his elbows. I’ve been pretty bullish on Briggs as a quality ruck who likes the rough stuff, but Meek wore the bumps and kept on going today. He was a huge reason why Hawks were able to control the stoppages, and deserves his flowers.
[3] Jai Newcombe – 10
Dragged the game by the scruff of the neck: 32 touches, 12 clearances, eight score involvements and the first-quarter momentum-shifter after the 50m. When GWS went berserk late in Q3, he dug in again at stoppage to steady the bleed. The beating heart. This lad may go down as one of the best mid-season pick ups of all-time, and the second-best moustache on a Newcombe, which is saying something because John had a pearler.
[5] James Worpel – 7.5
20 touches, nine clearances, and the punching bag for Callum Brown’s idiocy. Got whacked, got a 50m, and Amon duly converted. That’s a scoreboard impact without touching the ball. He’ll claim it and farm some aura.
A workhorse game, and a key component of a midfield machine that was revving at the max for three quarters of the game.
[14] Jack Scrimshaw – 7
I might be biased here, as I’ve been high on Scrimshaw since he was drafted by the Suns, but I liked Scrimshaw’s game. Sure, the stat line won’t impress many, and he went missing during GWS’ surge, but his pressure and ability to intercept played a key role in wresting back control of the game in the last quarter. Some stellar efforts given when the game was in the balance saved his rating from being in the lower ranks here. It’s the kind of effort GC wish they could have gotten from him, and instead may end up on the receiving end of it if the series continues well for both teams.
[11] Conor Nash – 5
Won plenty inside, but disposal had more shanks than a prison yard. It may seem harsh to rate a bloke with 24 touches so lowly, but too many of his touches went to opponents, which devalued the hard work the engine room did to get the ball in his hands.
And look, maybe I’m being too tough on Nash, but no one who disagrees with his rating can honestly say he isn’t capable of more. This is the finals, you need every player working at their peak, and for my money, Nash was off his best.
[9] Changkuoth Jiath [sub] – 4
Subbed in, tried to inject some run, but didn’t quite find his rhythm. Seven touches, none that made the highlight reel, but most of them helped move the ball in the right direction. His role as a speedy chase-down defender was sort of obsolete in this game, because by the time he was warmed up and firing, GWS had run themselves ragged trying to peg back the lead, and ran out of steam.
Not a bad game for a sub, and was a bit misused, but not a shocker either.
[23] Josh Weddle – 7
Reddit’s favourite mullet played like a kid who didn’t know he was meant to be nervous. 16 touches and 6 tackles, ran both ways like his jumper was on fire. Should’ve iced it late with that free in the F50, but sprayed it. Finals footy doesn’t forgive those, and he had a few moments that he’d love to do over, but he’ll get that chance in the next match.
[30] Sam Butler – 5
Barely touched it, but when the Giants had it back to a single digit margin, he coolly slotted the set shot to give the Hawks breathing space. The benefits of being a forward is that you can do little for 95% of the game, but if you deliver in the key moment, you’re a hero.
But not in this column. Get involved lad!
[0] Aunty Joan – 9
The saying is that footy is about moments and who can seize them. Well, Aunty Joan seized hers and when the clock ticked over to bounce the ball and start the match, she refused to be hurried or worried.
Went in hard, took her time and refused to bow to the pressure of actually beginning the game.
More finals presence than half of the Crows side.
