Saturday’s Qualifying Final in front of 91.525 fans at the MCG was as chaotic and compelling a game of football you’ll see, with Gary Rohan rising above the chaos to snatch the game out of Collingwood’s hands in the dying stages of the final term.  

Rohan looked like he’d started his run up from Collins Street as he skyed for the ball with four minutes on the clock, leaping over three Magpies to pluck the ball, and the game, out of thin air, before going back and slamming it through to give the Cats a one point lead.

Minutes later he would set up Max Holmes for the match winner and the Cats had booked themselves a preliminary final date with either Melbourne or Brisbane in a fortnight’s time.

It was the kind of performance that Rohan, hampered by a combination of back, hip, and concussion issues this season, seemed to be building toward the more games he got under his belt, finishing the biggest game of the year so far with a season high three goals and 14 disposals, to go with seven score involvements.

He was at different times an extra target up forward with Tom Hawkins blanketed by Darcy Moore, while on the other side of the ball, his pressure and tackling were elite. It was a not-so-subtle reminder of the weapon he can be when on song.  

"Look, it is gratifying, I don't mind saying that,” Geelong coach Chris Scott said post game.

“We are really clear on what he can bring to our team and the way we play. He's absolutely an energy giver, his teammates love playing with him and I'm just really proud of him today."

It was a game made up of moments, of contests, and inches and Rohan made the most of his opportunities, as did so many players from both sides across the afternoon, but it was Geelong with their noses in front when the bell rang and another Geelong-Collingwood September classic was in the book.

Tom Stewart, speaking to K rock Football after the game said the game was ‘awesome’ to be a part of.

“[That was] one of the best games I've been a part of. So, so proud of our group,” he said. 

And while emphasising the collective effort he did save some special praise for the man they call ‘Chuckie’.

“We've got some really potent players; Jezz was on fire tonight, Gary was on fire tonight, we all had our moments. Closey was unreal, Tyson's pressure, I thought it was a great collective effort. 

“For Chuckie, I am super happy for him, people came out and potted him during the week and I honestly couldn't be happier for him.”