Gary Ablett – 9
Had Jason Gram as his opponent for most of the game, and shook off a flat start to rack up 35 touches, five clearances, three tackles and one goal. All class.

Jimmy Bartel – 9
Conditions favoured the skilful Brownlow medallist. Had 12 opening term touches against Brendon Goddard, and then shook off Clinton Jones and Andrew McQualter. Ended with 34 possessions, two goals and six clearances. Brilliant.

Mark Blake – 8
Started on bench and came on to shoulder the rucking duties with Brad Ottens moving up forward. Had 17 hit-outs – the most on the ground.

Paul Chapman – 5
Kicked the Cats' first goal after starting alongside Sam Fisher. Had treatment on his hamstring in the third quarter, and spent the fourth term on the bench with it in a compression bandage.

Joel Corey – 9
Had Lenny Hayes as a loose opponent in what was a pretty even contest. The pair picked up four and three clearances each by the main break; Corey ending with 32 touches and seven clearances.

Corey Enright – 8
Had 22 touches and four tackles playing through the middle. Had Leigh Montagna and Stephen Milne as primary opponents, and did well against both.

Tom Harley – 7
Manned Adam Schneider and Charlie Gardiner throughout the afternoon, and was as reliable as always in the backline. Got crunched in the second half but soldiered on.

Josh Hunt – 6
Took Stephen Milne (two goals) for most of the game and was a solid contributor in the Cats' back six. Continues to impose himself in contests.

Steve Johnson – 7
Down on his usual form but still picked up 20 touches, kicked a goal, and had three scoring assists. Passed off a sitter to Tom Lonergan in the last quarter; another example of the Cats' team-orientated ethos.

Cameron Ling – 9
Tagged Nick Dal Santo and kept him to 17 touches while picking up 24 of his own across the game. Kicked a rare goal in the second quarter and celebrated accordingly. As dogged as always.

Tom Lonergan – 7
Had Jason Blake as an opponent for most of the afternoon and kicked 2.4 as well as gave off two scoring assists. Gave the side another attacking option with 11 marks.

Andrew Mackie - 7.5
Started down back on Charlie Gardiner and spent time playing on Nick Riewoldt when the skipper pushed up to the wing. Had 21 touches and pushed into the attacking 50 seven times.

Darren Milburn – 7.5
Had a decent game to gather 32 touches after starting on James Gwilt. Rebounded well and was an integral part of Geelong's airtight defence.

Cameron Mooney – 8
Had St Kilda fullback Max Hudghton as an opponent nearly all afternoon and broke free to kick 3.2 with an additional three assists. Also took 11 marks.

Brad Ottens – 8
Dominated hit-outs in the first quarter before moving up forward to kick three goals and take seven marks. Still racked up 15 hit-outs – the game's second-highest individual amount.

Brent Prismall – 2
Started on bench, came on to mind Robert Harvey at times before hurting his right knee at the 17-minute mark of the first quarter. Left the field on a stretcher and did not take any further part of the game. 

Max Rooke – 6.5
Started on bench and came on to play with his usual flair. Had 18 touches and kicked one goal against 12 different opponents.

Matthew Scarlett – 7
Picked up Justin Koschitzke at the first bounce and rotated on Nick Riewoldt in the second when the Saints skipper began to roam. Played on James Gwilt for 24 minutes and denied him a possession. Had the ball 20 times.

Joel Selwood – 8
Another quality performance from the young gem. Had 20 touches, four tackles and five clearances, and was a picture of class in the trying conditions. Worked hard all day and beat Andrew McQualter.

Mathew Stokes – 5
Had a quiet afternoon by his standards with just one goal, but still found the pill 17 times. Had Sam Gilbert and Clinton Jones as opponents.

Harry Taylor – 8
Had the tough assignment of manning Nick Riewoldt and handled it with aplomb. Kept the Saints' skipper to nine touches and one goal. His best game as a Cat. 

Travis Varcoe – 6
Started on bench and struggled to get into the game. Had two touches by halftime, kicked a goal late in the third, and ended with eight touches and seven tackles.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.