Player ratings: St Kilda

Steven Baker – 7
Went to Steve Johnson, who still looked hampered by a hip problem. Kept the Cat from touching the ball to half time, although had just five possessions himself. Ended with 12, but his opponent had much less.

Luke Ball – 8
Didn't have a huge amount of game time in the first half but made what he had count. Had 12 touches by the main break and had been good around the stoppages. Had 22 touches and seven clearances for the game in a solid performance.

Jason Blake – 5
Provided strong pressure down back in the first half with five tackles, and kept his opponent Tom Hawkins quiet. Ended with 10 disposals – none of which were kicks – while Hawkins booted two goals.

Raphael Clarke – 4
Seemed to re-injure an already-strapped right calf in the second term, right before he slipped over and allowed opponent Shannon Byrnes to goal. Tackled well, but didn't do a lot with his 13 disposals.

Zac Dawson – 4
Played on Cam Mooney, who kicked two goals. Made a terrible error in the second quarter when he attempted to kick across goal in defence and booted it right into the arms of Hawkins, who promptly scored a major. Was just okay.

Nick Dal Santo – 6
Cameron Ling went to him for a hard tag, but he still managed to get plenty of it in the first half. Had treatment in the second quarter on his leg, but recovered to play out the game. Had 17 touches and was second only to Lenny Hayes in clearances.

Sean Dempster – 5
Was the Saints' only inclusion for the game at the expense of Robert Eddy. Playing in his third grand final, he kicked the first goal of the second quarter after winning a free. Was his only real highlight with just five touches for the game.

Sam Fisher – 6
Played on Max Rooke, who was one of the Cats' best. Had 15 touches, most of which were uncontested, and didn't make a huge impact pressure-wise with four tackles. He has had better games during the year.

Michael Gardiner – 5
Playing in his second grand final, the former Eagle took the first bounce of the game against Brad Ottens. He held his own in the ruck and almost equalled Ottens for hit-outs, but didn't make a huge impact around the ground.

Sam Gilbert – 6
Went to Paul Chapman, who won the Norm Smith medal for best on ground. Had 18 touches and six tackles, and led the Saints for rebounds from the defensive 50.

Brendon Goddard – 7
Had a big second quarter and was important in giving the Saints drive into attack, but was stopped short early in the third when he collided with Steven Baker's head and broke his nose. Ended the game with 21 touches and a huge nine tackles.

Jason Gram – 9
Started on the bench and came on to meet Darren Milburn. Stepped up his work rate in the second to have 14 touches by half time, and again in the third for another 11. Was the Saints' highest possession-getter with 30, and arguably their best player.

Lenny Hayes – 9
Enormous first term with five clearances and a goal before Jimmy Bartel tightened up on him. Was still equal leader for contested possessions at the main break, and ended the game with an enormous 18 contested possessions from 24 overall. Also had a game-high 10 clearances.

Clint Jones – 8
Had a few opponents but mainly ran with Gary Ablett, and managed to curb his influence well. Snared an important major through traffic just before half time that kick-started the three-goal run, but will be better remembered for his tough 10-tackle game.

Steven King – 4
Entered the game with a point to prove against his old side. Started on the bench, but came on for little impact in the first half. Had a little more impact in the ruck in the second half, but lacked influence around the ground.

Justin Koschitzke – 4
Took one of the three leading marks recorded before half time, and a goal just before the main break gave him a much-needed highlight. Was pitted against Matthew Scarlett and did well to pull him away from Nick Riewoldt at times, but lacked attacking presence.

Andrew McQualter – 4
Did some tough stuff before half time with an impressive tackle/contested possession output, which was pretty much the story of his afternoon. Wasn't a stand-out, but wasn't the worst afield. Seven tackles were a highlight.

Stephen Milne – 2
Had to wait 10 minutes to get his first run after starting on the bench, and probably wished he'd spent more time there in the second quarter after a messy run of mistakes. Fluffed two shots at goal before giving Ablett a 50m penalty, and went on for a goalless game.

Leigh Montagna – 7
Got his game going in the second with eight touches. Kicked an important pressure goal with a minute and a half to remain in the third quarter, which put the Saints in front at the final change.

Farren Ray – 2
Started his first grand final on the bench, and once the former Bulldog made it to the field he didn't make a huge contribution. Had 11 touches and just three tackles across a quiet afternoon.

Nick Riewoldt – 5
As expected, was manned up by Harry Taylor, who played a marvellous game. Was badly winded in the second after landing on his back, and also goalless to half time. Took a good contested mark against Taylor in the third and kicked his first goal, but couldn't get his side going.

Adam Schneider – 4
Put the Saints in front in first term with their third goal, and then booted the one that ensured the half time lead. However, he needed those majors to justify his selection, as he didn't do a great deal else.

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http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/85370/default.aspx

Jason Gram & Lenny Hayes both had top games, Brendon Goddard & Clint Jones also had good games. As for the worst that surely goes to Raph Clarke.

Ray and Milne a bit hard done by there same with Schneider.

Sean Dempster a 5?

Give me a break, his inclusion today was the only wrong decision Ross Lyon made all year. Gave us absolutely nothing up forward, lacks pace and really, didn't do anything to justify selection all year.

Eddy should have been kept in the side, or better still, Armitage should have played. Too late now.

In my opinion, I think Gram was Saint Kildas best player.