Every player in the 2025 Semi-Final between the Lions and Suns is rated by our writers, Trent Adam Shields, and Disco Monagle.
These ratings feed into our 2025 Finals Player of the Year. Let’s go!
Brisbane (Trent)
The reigning premier were unwilling to relinquish their crown just yet, as they overpowered their younger Queensland sibling in a high stakes pineapple grapple in perfect conditions at the Gabba. Three quick goals by the upstart Suns were reeled in as Rayner and Washcroft imposed themselves on the contest, and best afield defensive monolith Andrews were too experienced and desperate for their outmatched opponents. Sets up a classic match-up with Collingwood at the MCG, the venue for three GF clashes between these two clubs this century.
[15] Dayne Zorko – 8
Has been a remarkable player for a very long time, even past his 300th milestone continues to be influential and his kicking remains elite. 26 disposals, with twenty-one of those being kicks, as is his standard ratio, gaining a game-high 704m. Six score involvements and a dozen pressure acts was a great return from a proud Lion warrior.
[27] Darcy Gardiner – 6
Extremely shaky early as he was monstered by Ben King who should have kicked three in the first term, but recovered to be a solid contributor after being shifted onto Read. Ended up with a dozen touches and 10 marks with a further six spoils.
[35] Ryan Lester – 5
Certainly not as prolific or integral as last season’s finals glory run, but an ever important cog in this experienced and disciplined Lions defence. Took seven marks as his team controlled the airways with 115 marks (+29 vs Gold Coast) and generally kept the Suns forwards starved of opportunity on the occasions they did bring the ball I50 with any speed.
[44] Darcy Wilmot – 8
Can walk a fine line between reckless and daring with his attack on the ball week to week, but in this one was definitely the latter as he repeatedly and bravely left his opponent to intercept, earning eight of his 26 disposals in this manner for the match, second best for his team.
[31] Harris Andrews – 10
An imposing presence in the back half, taking five intercept marks in the first term alone from his game-high 7 and 14 total marks. Moved onto the dangerous King after the first term and completely shut him down. Finished with 20 disposals and led the game with ten 1%ers and nine spoils, in addition was terrific without the ball constantly positioning himself to protect teammates without giving away free kicks.
[37] Brandon Starcevich – 6
A fairly typical no fuss Starcevich game, not big on stats, only ten touches and three marks, but high on substance as he didn’t give any room to breathe to the stuttering Suns small forwards. Will be sorely missed if he is indeed forced out in the off-season by salary cap pressure.
[6] Hugh McCluggage – 9
After a below average game last week where he allowed himself to be shut out by the negative, but effective Geelong defensive strategy, the response was expected, but stunning in its impact. A game-high 33 disposals, including the second most contested possessions (15) on the ground coupled with ten clearances demonstrated his hunger to lead his team forward in this finals series after a rare down week.
[10] Levi Ashcroft – 5
Possibly harshly marked for a first year player in the fierce blowtorch pressure of September footy, but has shown his capability at times during the year and I’d like to see him creating more with his disposals overall. 15 touches, and pleasingly third highest pressure acts for his team, but only two score involvements which is probably where his game is lacking at present – but as mentioned, very young and offers plenty of potential.
[7] Jarrod Berry – 8
Another player well down on his usual output against the Cats (albeit with a decent excuse returning from a dislocated shoulder), but was back to his best in a powerful display, gathering eight first term disposals and a goal to win back momentum after a fast start by the Suns. Provided great link running all night in collecting 28 possessions at 85% disposal efficiency and 668m gained, good enough for second best on the ground in that stat.
[23] Charlie Cameron – 6
Welcome return to form by Charlie, his fourteen disposals were an equal season-high and the most he’s had in a game since Round 11, all the way back in May. While he didn’t hit the scoreboard, his three behinds were all absolutely gettable, he showed some great energy and intent, roaming further afield and contesting hard and using his skill and creativity to great effect.
[22] Ty Gallop – 7
A coming of age match of sorts for young Lions tall forward Gallop, who in just his fourth senior AFL match recorded career highs in disposals (12), marks (7) and I50 (3). As the game progressed become more of an option leading up towards the wing, contributed 12 pressure acts and capped off a great night with a stunning contested mark against Collins and coolly slotted his debut goal in the big time.
[33] Zac Bailey – 8
Has matured greatly in the past couple of seasons, and was a worthy member of the AA squad in 2025. Bailey was a constant threat in this game scoring three goals from four shots amongst his 16 disposals, and his undoubted highlight was a big mark over a hapless Noble in the third term and quickly playing on for the snap.
[16] Cam Rayner – 9
Put the controversy of last week’s match behind and went to work on brutalising his rival Suns players. Twelve pressure acts, five tackles, three clearances and a whopping 4583m gained from just 16 disposals, but more than that it was his presence and physical pressure that gave the Lions the ascendancy after a bright Gold Coast start. Kicked one of the goals of the year after savagely breaking two tackles after a hard-ball get and launching the ball from just forward of the centre line.
[13] Logan Morris – 6
Did what he had to in competing and taking his chances, kicked two goals from limited chances and set up Berry with a wonderful centring ball from deep on the boundary. Greatly appreciated the chop out from Gallop (was it just me or do these two look quite alike?) who reduced the pressure on Morris to do all the heavy lifting in the Lions forward line, something he’s achieved incredibly successfully in just his second season.
[4] Callum Ah Chee – 5
Kicked a goal in the first term and was active in wresting back control of the game, but faded thereafter. 13 disposals and 6 marks, along with a direct goal assist are handy numbers for a deep forward, but perhaps suffering in comparison to the lofty heights he set himself last year as one of the players of the finals.
[32] Darcy Fort – 5
Well beaten in the hit outs by Witts, but was able to fight back from the domination early to not break even thereafter but certainly quell the Suns big man’s superiority. Was handy with 11 touches, three tackles and three spoils. Never stopped trying in his career best season.
[5] Josh Dunkley – 9
Took on the job of stopping Matt Rowell and was a unanimous points winner in the end, out-working, out-grunting and out-tackling his highly rated opponent. Ended with a “world record” (Yes, I’m aware of how weird that sounds, it’s got a lot of US Sports proclaiming world champions about it) 18 tackles in a finals match, surpassing James Bartel’s 16 in the ‘09 GF. Less visibly also achieved an astounding 34 pressure acts, 10 more than anyone else on the field, and 18 more than his nearest teammate, but curiously only progressed the ball 62m with his 20 disposals, consistent with what his primary job was on the night. A job he completed very effectively indeed.
[8] Will Ashcroft – 9
Toss of the coin as to whether Washcroft would join his skipper as a 10-pointer in this one such was his brilliance. 28 disposals of which 11 resulted in scores including two goals of his own. Was a constant thorn in the side of the Suns who had targeted him throughout the season, I commented at one point in the second half that Washcroft and Rayner may have won the game on their own tonight such was their connection and dominance. Also worth noting the speed in which he gets the ball to boot, easily the quickest in the league and uses it smartly every time.
[1] Kai Lohmann – 8
New haircut, who dis? Lohmann took the unusual step pre-game of attempting to deceive his Suns opponents with a brand new look, and boy did it work a treat! Three goals, one the result of a superb mark with the flight and neat finish in the second quarter, four tackles and a dozen pressure acts. A high quality player produced a high quality performance.
[3] Jaspa Fletcher – 7
Fletcher has had an excellent season and another strong contribution last night. Found himself repeatedly in the right spot with 21 disposals gaining 495m and five score involvements, despite curiously not securing an I50.
[20] Sam Marshall – 3
The former academy selection has shown some great signs in 2025, but was less prominent last night. Beaten a couple of times by Lachie Weller on the near wing and was subbed in the fourth term. Unlikely to be replaced next week, but not at his best.
[46] Oscar McInerney – 5
A brave selection to replace the key forward Day with a nominally less mobile second ruckman enduring an injury plagued season. But there can be no doubt you’ll get honest, wholehearted efforts from the Big O, and last night was no different. 14 hit outs from just 28 ruck contests, three spoils, three tackles weren’t a bad return, and could’ve been far better with two fairly easy goal chances spurned. Excellent early sheppard to enable Ah Chee to kick his first.
[Sub – 38] Bruce Reville – 2
It can be tough to rate a sub, especially with only 17% game time, but cult hero Bruce has punctuated his career with solid cameos to date, and sadly couldn’t replicate last night. Was unlucky to be dropped the previous week when Berry and Neale returned, but fluffed his line last night when missing a relatively simple snap on goal from 25m out and then probably didn’t work hard enough in his remaining minutes to force Fagan to return him to the starting line up.
Gold Coast (Disco)
Fifteen wins plus a finals win is a successful season by any standards for the Suns, especially for a group of players who haven’t been in this position before.
Effectively this game was over at halftime as the Lions gave the Suns a lesson in finals football, but it was a hard lesson about the realities of finals football the Suns needed, especially if they are to challenge in coming seasons.
[27] Wil Powell – 4.5
Will had a first half he probably wants to forget as he made a few nervous mistakes while at other times he tried to do too much with the ball in hand which caused a turnover or three..
In the second half Powell tried hard with the positive being he led the Suns with six effective tackles.
[32] Bodhi Uwland – 7.5
At quarter-time I had Bodhi marked as one of the Suns best players, and while he dropped off a bit the longer the game went he never stopped trying. Like his other young teammates, Bodhi has learned what finals football is all about and he will be better for the experience.
[25] Sam Collins – 6.5
Sam is the general down back for the Suns, and like a true general he fought this game out to the bitter finish even though his team was well and truly defeated. In the offseason it would be wise for the Suns to try to get another grunt back man to help Collins carry the heavy lifting load.
[2] John Noble – 3
While excuses can be made for the handling errors of some of the young Suns in their first finals series, it would have been expected that the youngsters could have relied upon the experience of Noble to lead by example, but sadly for the Suns his game was tentative and error riddled.
On paper Noble’s numbers read well, but stats can lie and in the case of Noble they hid a game that was riddled with mistakes, and then some. If ever a player had a point to prove in September it is John Noble, however for another season at least the jury is still out about his ability to perform on the big stage.
[1] Mac Andrew – 3
Before halftime Mac Andrew and Logan Morris were having an intriguing battle, but with change being the mother of necessity, Andrew was sent forward by Dimma in the second half to try and add a spark.
The million dollar player tried hard after halftime, but he failed to have any impact on this game.
[17] Daniel Rioli – 4
Like John Noble, Daniel Rioli came into this match as one of the few Suns’ players who had finals experience, and more would have been expected from him by the hierarchy at the Suns than he delivered. On song, Rioli is one of the best finals players in the league, but in his first visit to the Gabba for a final since the 2020 Grand Final his performance was subpar by his standards.
[14] Lachie Weller – 5
Lachie Weller performed his role without being outstanding – he tried hard.
Thirteen possessions and four marks and limited errors in a team that was thrashed was an okayish performance.
Weller is one the more seasoned players in the Suns team who has been in the system for over 10 years however he plays like he is still a fringe player. Probably not for the first time in his career Lachie will have a nervous wait before his exit interview in the coming week.
[18] Matt Rowell – 8
Even when Rowell has an ordinary game it is still a better game than the average footballer, and such was the case against the Lions at the Gabbatoir.
Rowell is a smart, tough, rugged player who will take the finals experience he has gained this season into the future.
When the bitterness of this defeat fades, Rowell strikes me as the kind of player who will do the work required to be an even better player next year. Rowell was the Suns best player on a disappointing night for his club.
[8] Brayden Fiorini – 6
Brayden Fiorini is one of those plodding type of players who continues to survive in the system long after the careers of some of his contemporaries have come to an end. Without starring, Fiorini never gave up trying and he finished as one of the better performing players on a bleak night for his club.
[11] Touk Miller – 7.5
While most Suns’ players will lament their second half performance, Touk Miller never gave up trying to lift his team. Along with Matt Rowell he lead from the front all game and he can be proud of his two long awaited final’s appearances.
[20] Ethan Read – 2.5
(Subbed out at the start of the third)
Ethan was tactically subbed out at the start of the third when Mac Andrew was sent forward and Jy Farrar was sent back to make way for Swallow’s swansong.
Read’s highlight was his precise pass to Noble in the second quarter (it was a pity Noble missed the easy set shot), in a game he will be happy to forget. Ethan has had a good year and the more games he plays in the next couple of season the better he will get.
[19] Bailey Humphrey – 3
In the third quarter Humphrey had a set shot from 20 metres out straight in front and for reasons I will never understand he kicked the ball around the corner and he missed. From the subsequent kick-in the Lions went the full length of the field for a goal.
Humphrey’s set shot miss summed up the dirty night he was having. After being one of the Suns best last weekend, young Bailey was taught a lesson about finals football by the Lions.
[22] Ben Long – 0.5
I rate Long highly as a footballer, but he had a complete shocker against the Lions.
Four possessions for a player of Long’s ability is embarrassing. Like Weller, Long is one of the more experienced players at the Suns who had a dirty night and it is to be hoped his performance (or non-performance) really stings him.
[34] Ben King – Overall 2.5 but his first quarter was a 10
Ben King started the game with a flurry kicking a couple of goals and clunking everything that came his way.
Such was his dominance early in the game that some at The Mongrel Punt were questioning if this was his breakout game.
A little change by Fagan to move Harris Andrews on him after quarter time nullified any impact King was having. It would be fair to say that after quarter time King couldn’t even catch a cold as he went from being a Rooster to feather duster for the rest of the match.
[50] Jy Farrar – 2
Farrar is another great survivor in the AFL still being on a list at the age of 28 with under 50 games to his name. Sadly for Jy, his performance against the Lions was just okay. Enough said.
[28] Jarrod Witts – 6.5
Jarrod Witts has had an amazing career and true to the pride he takes in his game he was the most dominant ruckman on the ground against the Lions, and he never gave up giving his all.
At 33 years young Jarrod Witts doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon and if the Suns do reach the Holy Grail in the next season or two it is to be hoped he is part of the team.
[5] Alex Davies – 6
Alex Davies didn’t let the occasion get to him, and while he wasn’t amongst the Suns best, he played his role well and he never gave up trying.
In a year of many positives for the Suns this season, the improvement of Alex Davies this season should not be underestimated.
[15] Noah Anderson – 7
Noah Anderson had a good game, but not a great game.
After he kicked a magnificent running goal in the first quarter it looked like he was going to be the player to break the game open, but his form tapered off after quarter time. Rayner, McCluggage, Berry and Dunkley are a formidable quartet of players and after quarter time they thwarted any influence Noah was having on the game.
[3] Sam Flanders – 7.5
Sam Flanders played his best game in a while and hopefully he is still playing for the Suns next season.
There have been murmurs all season about Flanders moving elsewhere next season but he is the type of player the Suns can ill afford to lose.
[9] Ben Ainsworth – 3.5
Ben Ainsworth is another of the Suns’ more mature players who had a dirty night.
Mistakes in finals matches are amplified and in the first half he gave a perfect handball to his Lions opponent which resulted in a goal to Logan Morris. There wasn’t a hole big enough on the ground for him to hide in.
[35] Connor Budarick – 6
Connor Budarick with eleven possessions, five marks and a couple of tackles performed the role expected of him.
The time is nigh for Budarick to entrench his place during the offseason in a Suns team which is going somewhere. Without starring, Budarick has done enough in his first finals series to suggest he is the type of player who is not fazed by September pressure.
[40] Joel Jeffrey – 8
Joel Jeffrey has been the surprise packet of the finals series for the Suns.
Over the last couple of weekends Jeffrey has made a name for himself as a player more than ready to absorb finals pressure.
Jeffrey is one player who has flourished under the tutelage of Dimma and taken his game to the next level.
[24 – Sub] David Swallow – Overall 2, but 10 for his career service to the Suns.
David Swallow has had a wonderful career at the Suns and like Robbie Flower who would begrudge him finally playing in a finals series at the end of his career.
I heard enough of Dimma’s post match interview to know he will be offered some sort of coaching role at the club next season. Suns Legend!
