analysis
2022 AFL Grand Final Depth Chart: Every Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans player ranked 1-44

Every Geelong and Sydney player in the grand final ranked from 1-44 based on their ability to have an impact in today’s game, according to Braden Quartermaine. 1. Tom Stewart (Geel) Intercept king is now a four-time All-Australian and arguably their most important player. Badly missed when injured during last year’s finals series. 2. Tom Hawkins (Geel) Spearhead came of age in the 2011 grand final and now gets his chance to win a third flag at the age of 34. A colossal and reliable presence. 3. Isaac Heeney (Syd) Dynamic mid-forward can do it in the air or on the ground and has kicked a career-high 48 goals this season. 4. Jeremy Cameron (Geel) Prized GWS recruit has been huge in his second season with a better run with injury. Looking to make amends for his 2019 grand final nightmare with the Giants. 5. Patrick Dangerfield (Geel) Superstar looms large with his preparation timed to the minute, coming in off his best game of the season as he chases an elusive premiership. 6. Callum Mills (Syd) First-year co-captain is his side’s leading disposal winner and a first-time All-Australian in 2022. 7. Cam Guthrie (Geel) Flies under the radar but is his side’s leading disposal winner at 25 per game and the midfield’s heartbeat. 8. Luke Parker (Syd) Co-captain one of just two survivors from 2012 flag and could get another minding job after shutting down Jordan De Goey last week. 9. Tyson Stengle (Geel) Small forward one of the decider’s incredible storylines after being sacked by Adelaide and becoming a star with Geelong. Huge season with 49 goals. 10. Tom Papley (Syd) Gun small forward looms as a huge weapon and comes off three goals in the prelim. 11. Chad Warner (Syd) West Aussie 21-year-old quickly becoming a genuine star who has enjoyed a breakout season as a goal-kicking midfielder. 12. Mark Blicavs (Geel) Imposing and versatile figure belatedly recognised with his first All-Australian blazer this year. 13. Mitch Duncan (Geel) WA star looking to add a second flag to his brilliant career after coming on as the sub in the 2011 grand final as a 20-year-old. 14. Tom Hickey (Syd) Former West Coast ruckman is in career-best form as he chases a flag at his fourth club. 15. Joel Selwood (Geel) Veteran captain has had his ground time managed but remains an important cog. Will play his 40th final to break Michael Tuck’s record as he chases his fourth flag. 16. Lance Franklin (Syd) Ageing superstar will play in his sixth grand final and aim to win his first Sydney flag in the final game of his nine-year mega deal. 17. Zach Tuohy (Geel) Will play his 250th game as he aims to become just the second Irish premiership player after Sydney’s Tadhg Kennelly. 18. Isaac Smith (Geel) Veteran wingman will play in his fifth grand final, aiming to add a Cats flag to his three in Hawthorn colours. 19. Nick Blakey (Syd) Line-breaker a big weapon since his move to defence. Looking to join his father John as a premiership winner. 20. Sam Reid (Syd) Veteran big man has had a big impact in forward-ruck role in the second half of the season. Set to carry in an adductor issue after being subbed out last week. 21. Tom Atkins (Geel) Tough nut has enjoyed move into midfield, playing every game in a career-best season and is his side’s leading tackler. 22. Tom McCartin (Syd) Key defender has a good record on Hawkins. Will join forces with his brother on the big stage. 23. Sam De Koning (Geel) A revelation this season as a key defender trusted with taking on the best despite his light frame. Likely to get Franklin. 24. Rhys Stanley (Geel) Not a traditional ruckman but offers his own strengths to hold off recruit Jon Ceglar. Will go against his former St Kilda teammate Hickey. 25. James Rowbottom (Syd) Emerging onballer another youngster who has gone to a new level to fuel Sydney’s improvement. 26. Will Hayward (Syd) Clever forward comes off a quiet prelim but has played every game and kicked a career-high 33 goals. 27. Brad Close (Geel) Improved small forward has played every game this season and was lively in the prelim. 28. Justin McInerney (Syd) Has been quiet this finals series but young wingman offers plenty of drive at his best. 29. Jake Kolodjashnij (Geel) Defender impressed in the prelim after being subbed out of consecutive matches with concussion and a knee injury. 30. Oliver Florent (Syd) Classy rebounding defender will play in his first decider after playing every game this season. 31. Jake Lloyd (Syd) Important rebounding defender will play his 200th game. Part of the losing teams in 2014 and 2016. 32. Max Holmes (Geel) Youngster has been a nice addition to an ageing team. Has endured a rollercoaster of emotions, having been named despite a hamstring injury last week. 33. Gary Rohan (Geel) Forward will face his former club in his fourth grand final and still looking for his first flag. Has defied his big-game flop reputation this month. 34. Errol Gulden (Syd) Youngster has played every game this season and enjoyed some big moments late in the thrilling prelim triumph. 35. Dane Rampe (Syd) Experienced defender has had success on Cameron in the past and could get the huge job. 36. Paddy McCartin (Syd) Former No.1 draft pick will look to put the icing on one of footy’s greatest comeback stories after his career looked over due to ongoing concussion issues. 37. Gryan Miers (Geel) Small forward has an unconventional style but offered plenty in the prelim win. 38. Dylan Stephens (Syd) Wingman overlooked for a large part of the season, but hasn’t missed a game since returning in round 15. 39. Jed Bews (Geel) Defender aiming to do what his father Andrew couldn’t by becoming a Cats premiership player. Could get the big job on Papley. 40. Jack Henry (Geel) Defender who can also go forward. Playing in his 14th final at just 24. 41. Hayden McLean (Syd) Tall forward called up for his first appearance since round eight as the beneficiary of Logan McDonald’s form slump. 42. Robbie Fox (Syd) Fringe battler left out for the first half of the season before finding himself on centre stage with a double smother late in the qualifying final. 43. Zach Guthrie (Geel) Defender has been a big improver, playing 20 games and will now play the biggest of his life with his elder brother. 44. Ryan Clarke (Syd) Reborn Swan is very much a role player. Could get a defensive forward job on Duncan or Stewart.

analysis2022 AFL Grand Final Depth Chart: Every Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans player ranked 1-44

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analysis
2022 AFL Grand Final Depth Chart: Every Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans player ranked 1-44