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It was a see-sawing 2023 grand final, with six lead changes in the first half, as neither team was able to stamp their authority.
As soon as one team looked to take the momentum, the other would kick back and ensure it was a tight contest right until the final siren. Collingwood edged the Lions at every change, and had enough in the end to win by four points.
Who stood out and who failed to fire?
Here’s every Lion rated.
Deven Robertson: 6
Stats may not have painted the full picture – while his numbers were strong, it was how he used his body. Some key interventions early broke up Collingwood’s momentum and he was instrumental in setting up a Joe Daniher goal at a crucial stage of the first half. He snagged a goal in the third term after some brilliant Lions ball movement.
Joe Daniher: 8
One of Brisbane’s best. Played a fair bit down the ground early, won some key ball in the midfield with his height and even held his own in the ruck. Chimed in with two goals in the second term and his radar was on target for most of the game, while providing plenty of headaches for the defence. One slip-up was a final-quarter shank, but the forward finished with three goals.
Callum Ah Chee: 4.5
Was strong without being brilliant overall. Although he was part of a big play for Brisbane in the third term combining with Daniher and Robertson for a lead-changing goal. Subbed out midway through the final term.
Josh Dunkley: 7.5
Was putting his body on the line and his impressive skills were on display in winning the ball and tackle pressure. The former Bulldog was almost everywhere and not afraid to get in the Magpies’ faces when the pressure was on. In another 21-possession game, he did his part to keep his side in the contest throughout the game.
Hugh McCluggage: 6.5
Another strong and dependable performance from the midfielder, standing tall and taking the key marks when needed. He won his fair share of the ball and got a goal in each half, even with the help of a contentious 50-metre penalty.
Jarrod Berry: 3.5
A quiet start to the game, as possessions remained in the single figures right until the final term. Had a brain snap in the second half, when he conceded 50 after a late hit into the back of Nick Daicos.
Lachie Neale (c): 7
The Brownlow medallist was held to just three possessions in the opening term, and while Tom Mitchell had early bragging rights, he was not able to maintain total dominance over the star for too long. Worked his way into the game and still ended up with a haul of 21 possessions, but was probably not as dominant as Brisbane would have wanted, and that is down to the way Collingwood played him.
Lincoln McCarthy: 8
He had an eventful first term bagging an important goal for the Lions and being involved in a big collision with Nathan Murphy, which forced the Magpie out of the game. Did not slow down in the second quarter, giving Pies defenders plenty to think about in the forward 50 and had his radar on from a tight angle in the pocket. His numbers may have been down, finishing with just seven disposals, but it was his involvement on the scoreboard that was more valuable for the Lions.
Dayne Zorko: 6
In game 250, he was dangerous around the loose ball at times, but brilliant moments were limited. Could have been nominated for an Academy Award in the first term trying to win a free kick, which umpires were awake to. Strong involvement as always stats-wise, but missed out on finding the scoreboard when he chose not to shoot for the sticks in the third term, with a poor pass instead.
Cam Rayner: 6
A mixed opening term, from Rayner, ending up playing around the halfback line, had some key interventions but also gave the ball up at crucial times too. Somewhat made up for it, setting up Charlie Cameron’s second goal to get the Lions roaring.
Jarryd Lyons: 3
Starting as the sub, was not required until the last quarter and had limited influence on the play, when the Pies made their final surge on the scoreboard.
Keidean Coleman: 8.5
Was a ball magnet in the first half, a monster 22 disposals and eight marks – a game-high in both stats at the midway point. The only real chink in his armour in the first half was a defensive slip-up early in the second quarter that led to a costly goal to Bobby Hill. Finished with a team-high 26 touches (only bettered by Nick Daicos).
Charlie Cameron: 7.5
Was well contained in the opening quarter; he did not see the ball and was often double-teamed – but was not backing down physically, with his jumper torn in a skirmish. But after the G had a quick rendition of Country Roads at quarter time, the forward exploded in the second, kicking two goals and setting up another, to twice get Brisbane back in the lead. Had Brisbane roaring with his final-term goal.
Conor McKenna: 4.5
Possessions were into double figures, but he was part of the backline that allowed 30 scoring shots from the Pies. Was outplayed by the class of the Collingwood forwards for most of the game.
Darcy Gardiner: 4
Was kept ineffective in the first half individually and as part of Brisbane’s backline, as Collingwood was able to keep the scoreboard ticking over with nine first-half goals; some through great play, others through defensive misreads – which he contributed to.
Jaspa Fletcher: 5.5
A mixed performance from the Lion; he found himself under plenty of pressure and gave up some easy turnovers, but also had some good touches to keep Brisbane moving forward.
Eric Hipwood: 4.5
Had a forgettable start with a first-quarter shank off a drop punt that missed everything. Came from the ground with some discomfort in the first term but was soon back into the fray – saw a little bit of the ball, but could not make it count in a meaningful way. Tried his luck with a set shot from outside 50 in the final term that drifted just wide.
Harris Andrews (c): 5
Collingwood seemed to use Billy Frampton to specifically pressure Andrews, and keep him away from the other forwards, which seemed to work. The Lions defender ensured Frampton did not touch the ball in the first half but he had little impact for most of the game as Collingwood still found the scoreboard relatively easily.
Zac Bailey: 7.5
He got the Lions off and running with two brilliant goals in the opening term, and was having an impact at both ends of the ground. His second goal showed plenty of confidence, taking on two Pies and finishing with ease. The chase-down tackle on Beau McCreery was mouthwatering (if only his kicking didn’t let him down on this occasion).
Ryan Lester: 6
Important early defensive plays to keep the game close in the first quarter kept his cool allowing the Lions to set up from the halfback line. He was winning plenty of ball for the Lions and at times helped slow Collingwood’s momentum.
Brandon Starcevich: 3
A quiet start to the game numbers-wise, and had a forgettable moment looking into the sun and being used as a step ladder as Bobby Hill took the mark of the game to level the scores late in the first half. His wins over his opponent were rare, and was lucky his holding the ball free was not converted in the third term by Brayden Maynard. Hill was running rings around him, and it was not the best performance from the Lion.
Darcy Wilmot: 4.5
Had his fair share of disposals and kicks throughout the game, reaching double figures. He was tackling hard but did little to slow the Collingwood forward juggernaut.
Oscar McInerney: 6
Was quick to stamp control in the ruck in the first half, but it soon turned into a battle with Mason Cox, which he won comfortably. The big man had 10 clearances from his 29 hitouts, including a goal assist throughout the game.
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