Jed Bews – 6
The hard-at-it backman performed his role on the Swans smalls and linked up with his teammates through the middle. Also showed some flair to take off on a weaving run on the wing.

Mark Blicavs – 9
The athletic utility was among many Cats to produce a dramatically improved performance on last week's qualifying final loss to Richmond, reducing Swans skipper Josh Kennedy to a shadow of his usual self. Laid a game-high and career-best 14 tackles, including one he was rewarded for and converted for a goal early in the last quarter.

Patrick Dangerfield – 9
In a masterstroke from Cats coach Chris Scott, the Cats' trump card started one-out in attack and completely disrupted the Swans' usually miserly defence. In a remarkable first half, Dangerfield fired eight shots at goal for 4.3 and one out on the full. Hauled in four contested marks, while the Swans took just seven in total. Enhanced his greatness. 

Mitch Duncan – 8
With Dangerfield deployed forward, Duncan lifted his output accordingly, amassing a game-high 36 possessions – nine more than anyone else. After just three touches in the first term he was brilliant in the second quarter with 12 touches and two goals. A genuine gun. 

Zach Guthrie – 5
The skinny youngster seemed to apply much of what he learned from his first final to be a reasonable contributor. Took a courageous mark in defence in the third term, and later handballed over the top to Motlop for a big goal. 

Tom Hawkins – 4
Opposed to Heath Grundy, the Cats' man mountain was unusually fumbly and had little influence either as a lead-up, link player or inside 50. Didn't kick a goal until junk time when he nailed a magnificent long set shot from the boundary. 

Lachie Henderson – 7
Used predominantly as a loose man in defence to help Harry Taylor quell Lance Franklin, Henderson played the role to perfection. The communication and cohesion between he and Taylor was classic defensive play. 

Jake Kolodjashnij – 5
Another Cat who was a consistent contributor in a miserly backline, Kolodjashnij kept his opponents under control and then got involved in the offensive side of the game. 

Darcy Lang – 6
Back in the Cats' line-up for the first time since round 14, it was as though he'd never been out of the fray. Started well at half-forward with game-high five marks in the first term and finished with 10 marks and 24 touches. 

Andrew Mackie – 6
It threatened to be the smooth mover's last game but he performed as calmly as ever, keeping Dean Towers quiet while mopping up with 21 touches and pushing forward to deliver four inside-50s.

Sam Menegola – 8
Returned to top form in a big way with 26 possessions, eight tackles and two goals in a largely midfield role. Far more purposeful than last week, Menegola set the tone early with a game-high seven kicks and a goal in the first term. A terrific left-foot snap just before three-quarter-time was the cream on top. 

Five things we learned: Geelong v Sydney

Daniel Menzel – 6
Recalled after being a shock omission for the qualifying final, the classy forward justified his return by kicking 2.1 – the miss being from long range on the run in the first term – and giving off another two majors. The Cats are a better team with him in it. 

Steven Motlop – 8
In stark contrast to his effort against the Tigers, the hot-and-cold forward was at his dancing, elusive, creative best, collecting 23 possessions and snapping a stirring goal early in the third term. His intensity was characterised by a great chase-down tackle on fellow speedster Gary Rohan to set up the sealer late in the third term.

Brandan Parfitt – 5
The exciting youngster was dangerous at times and, although he didn't hit the scoreboard himself – at one point in the second term he sent a hurried snap on out the full – he gave away two goals to teammates. 

James Parsons – 3
Another quiet one for the 20-year-old forward, whose spot will be in jeopardy. Had just five touches, four of them resulting in clangers, but at least joined in on the manic forward pressure to lay five tackles.

Joel Selwood – 5
The Cats skipper was relatively quiet again with 18 possessions and seven clangers but will again be better for the run as he rebuilds his match fitness following his second game back from a lightning recovery from a syndesmosis injury.

Scott Selwood – 7
The tough stopper started on Josh Kennedy but was soon moved onto Luke Parker and kept him to just seven touches in the first half while having 10 himself. Parker was moved forward after half-time and the younger Selwood ended up with 26 possessions and 10 tackles. Left the field momentarily under the blood rule after the ball was kicked into his head.

Zac Smith – 7
Enjoyed a good ruck duel with Sam Naismith, virtually squaring the hit-outs but winning easily around the ground. Had 19 possessions and drifted forward to kick a goal in the second term. 

Rhys Stanley – 5
A late inclusion for ill Tom Lonergan, the ruckman/forward did his bit. Took a strong mark and kicked truly in the second term, but missed a late shot late that would have helped his quest to retain his spot. 

Tom Stewart – 6
A hamstring injury ended the gutsy defender's night early in the third quarter and will have him in doubt for the preliminary final. Before then, he was terrific, typified by inspirational repeat efforts in a passage of play in the second term.

Harry Taylor – 8
With Tom Lonergan a late withdrawal with a bout of food poisoning, Taylor was swung onto Swans superstar Lance Franklin and performed so well that Lonergan could scarcely have done it better. Settled into the groove immediately with an equal team-high eight touches in the first term and ended up with 24 while restricting Franklin to just three behinds.

Zach Tuohy – 7
Another inspired performance from the dashing defender, who controlled the tempo of play in the back half with his attack on the ball, astute decision-making and powerful kicking. A warrior who can be counted on under pressure.