Several Geelong veteran superstars struggled as they were destroyed by Brisbane to the tune of 47 points in the 2025 AFL grand final.
Jeremy Cameron, Patrick Dangerfield, among other older Cats, had matches to forget, with the Lions running riot in the second half.
There were some bright spots in an otherwise dark performance, with Max Holmes, Ollie Dempsey and Lawson Humphries among the team's best.
The Sporting News assessed who starred and struggled for Geelong in the 2025 AFL grand final.
MORE: Brisbane player ratings
Geelong - who starred in the 2025 AFL grand final?
Max Holmes
Was by far his team's best player, providing plenty of run on the outside but also winning clearances on the inside.
33 possessions, five clearances and a goal showed his impact throughout the match.
But an extraordinary 907 metres gained showed just how important he was.
Lawson Humphries
Provided excellent drive out of the backline throughout the match.
Set up a crucial goal for Brad Close on half-time with a trademark run and pinpoint delivery.
Without his dash out of defence, there wouldn't have been much spring for the Cats.
Tom Atkins
Geelong's best in-and-under midfielder in a smashing.
Ten clearances, six tackles from 20 possessions.
Is not the most flashy player but his work at the coalface allows the likes of Holmes and Smith to get to work
Oliver Dempsey
Looked extremely dangerous in attack through the first three quarters - and kicked the first goal.
Kicked three further goals in the last quarter - when the game was effectively over.
You wonder what he would be like as an out-an-out forward.
Jack Henry
Had an impact on the match behind the ball - particularly with his intercept marking in the first half.
Struggled with the amount of entries in the second half and also the quality the Brisbane delivery.
Geelong - who struggled in the 2025 AFL grand final?
Jeremy Cameron
Only had four possessions in the first half and was involved in a crunching collision with Patrick Dangerfield.
Appeared to be cradling his arm after the incident and emerged from half-time with an arm guard.
Missed a trademark shot around corner from a set shot early in the second half.
Was involved in one crucial moment before he hurt his arm again, making a gutsy chase down tackle on Jaspa Fletcher that eventually resulted in a Holmes goal.
Spent 20 minutes off the field, returned for the last quarter, but couldn't stop the Lions.
Patrick Dangerfield
Struggled to get into the game in the first with only five disposals.
Had an opportunity to spot up Neale inside 50 early in the third quarter but put the kick straight out on the full.
His opponent Brandon Starcevich got subbed out with concussion but still couldn't get into the game.
Mark Blicavs
His versatility was trumpeted pre-match but battled to get his hands on the football early, with only four touches in the first half.
Had an opportunity streaming through the middle to hit Neale out the back inside 50, but tumbled a punt straight into Harris Andrews' arms.
Did manage to kick a goal from a 50m penalty in the last quarter, but really didn't impact the match.
Sam De Koning
Looked lost in his versatile ruck role, which saw stints in the forward line and defence.
Did have a chance to kick the first goal of the game but was off-line.
Maybe needs to settle back into a defensive position, where he has played his best football.
Rhys Stanley
Like Geelong's other ruckman, just couldn't get himself into the game.
Competed up forward as best as he could but just couldn't haul a mark in.
Connor O'Sullivan
A young kid who has had a great season, but was fumbly at crucial moments.
His unclean handling allowed Cam Rayner to get the margin back out to 27 points after Geelong got a goal back.