Zac Bailey starred in first game since penning a mega eight-year extension and rejecting interest from Adelaide to launch Brisbane into a fifth-straight prelim.
Foxfooty.com.au rates all 23 Brisbane players out of 10 from its semi-final win over Adelaide.
Watch every match of the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
1. Kai Lohmann
The bounce back! Hot start with the opening goal after he was so quiet last week and just made things happen in the forward half to get momentum with the home side. “I like the way he started, he’s up and about,” Jason Dunstall said. Finished with two goals from 18 disposals (10 contested). 7
2. Sam Draper
Better physicality around the contest after he lowered his colours against Brodie Grundy last week. A solid tandem with Darcy Fort. 5
3. Jaspa Fletcher
Some strong moments from the classy half-back. Always uses the ball well and makes smart decisions. Had 18 disposals at 89 per cent efficiency with eight marks. 7
4. Oscar Allen
Not his night. Didn’t touch the footy in the first quarter and just struggled to get involved in his side’s domination. Missed a howler set shot from point-blank range midway through the third quarter in the unfortunate story of his night. Prelim selection pressure…? 3
Freo fire back at home in finals charge | 02:58
SEE ALSO
CROWS PLAYER RATINGS: Star captain’s efforts go in vain; retiring legend ‘ignored’ as TEN fail
5. Josh Dunkley
As reliable as the day is long. Played some defensive roles on Izak Rankine around the ground and nullified the red-hot Crows star. “He is just clamping Izak Rankine,” Jonathan Brown said. Still picked up 22 disposals (14 contested) and six tackles. 7
6. Hugh McCluggage
Building nicely. The underdone midfielder looked good early after he’d been down on form. Still hasn’t quite hit his straps but a compromised McCluggage is still better than most. Kicked two goals from 16 disposals. 7
7. Jarrod Berry
A solid night from the hardworking winger that ran hard all game and provided good defensive support. Finished with 19 touches. 6.
8. Will Ashcroft
In the thick of everything early with eight of his team-high 31 disposals in the first quarter. Injected great run and dash through the midfield with 489 metres gained. As consistent as they come and somehow still underrated. Also had 13 score involvements. 8
9. Lachie Neale
A strong first quarter from the veteran with seven of his 21 touches. Strong and composed around the contest in a workman performance through the midfield. The 33-year old seemed to take his foot off his gas as the night progressed. 6
10. Levi Ashcroft
A good game from the 19-year old. Ashcroft, still only 52 games into his career, had 21 disposals and a goal in his sixth final. He must be thinking: ‘How easy is AFL footy?’” 7
12. Darcy Gardiner
Matched up with Taylor Walker and kept him well checked for most of the night in the Crows veteran’s last game. Gardiner came off with an injury concern in the third term but returned. Got the job done. 6
13. Logan Morris
Uncharacteristically quiet for most of the night including a goalless first half. Got on the scoreboard in the third term with the two goals but the young star wasn’t as influential as normal. Finished the game on the bench with calf soreness in a key watch. James Borlase got the points in a rare win for the visitors. 5
15. Dayne Zorko
One of his side’s best. Draws the ball and always uses it well. Kicked a ripping running goal in the third quarter when Brisbane really started to flex. As usual, in the thick of argy-bargy with Adelaide. Racked up 27 disposals with a game-high 687 metres gained. 7
16. Cam Rayner
A big night from the mercurial forward as the highest-rated player on the ground. And when he plays like this, Brisbane is damn hard to beat. Kicked a cracking running goal in the opening term with his first disposal. Applied maximum damage with his 22 touches, two goals and 11 score involvements. “I have not seen anyone capable of tackling him yet. He is just destroying everyone around him,” Jason Dunstall said. 8
22. Ty Gallop
A strong night in defence for the youngster. Tasked with Darcy Fogarty, who started to get off the chain in the second term with consecutive goals, but Gallop got the better of him outside of that. 7
23. Charlie Cameron
Towelled up his old mob as the fire starter in a four-goal first half. Set the tone with two first-quarter goals as ‘Country Roads’ was gleefully belted out around the Gabba. Kicked an important goal in the second term that snapped a run of three-straight majors when Adelaide had gained momentum. Quiet in the second half when the job was done but an equal season-best five goals, which he also got against Adelaide earlier this year, and 13 score involvements is a great return. 8
26. Conor McKenna
Reinvented himself as a defensive small forward. The Irishman negated Wayne Milera and got on the scoreboard. “Played an important role this year since he’s come back into the side … he’s come in as a pressuring small forward in a defensive forward role. Done a really good job on Milera,” Jonathan Brown said. 6
30. Eric Hipwood
Played with a swagger like he knew he was ‘the man’ up forward. Kicked two goals from 12 touches and seven marks. Jason Dunstall said it was “as good as I’ve seen him compete,” while Jonathan Brown called it “the best I’ve seen him play for a while. He’s commanding, playing with presence.” 7
31. Harris Andrews
Didn’t quite feel the star backman out there like you normally can in the big assignment on Riley Thilthorpe, who kicked two goals. 5
32. Darcy Fort
A solid enough showing in an effective pairing with Sam Draper. Combine both of their fives and you get a 10! 5
33. Zac Bailey
Have mercy on Crows fans! The slippery re-signed star showed Adelaide what they missed out on in a dominant showing as the best player on the ground. Kicked 3.3 goals from 23 touches, 558 metres gained and a game-high 14 score involvements. “Putting on an absolute clinic … he’s just dominated the game. He’s been outstanding,” Alastair Lynch said. The crowd exploded with extra gusto when he kicked his goals in a brutal kick in the guts for Adelaide. “Show the Crows what they missed — get your hands off our man!,” Gerard Whateley exclaimed after Bailey’s first goal. More performances like that and he’ll be worth every penny of his monster deal worth up to $10 million. 9
35. Ryan Lester
The always reliable veteran stood tall in defence in a super showing with some great moments that always seem to lift his side. Shut down Josh Rachele and gathered 17 disposals, eight marks and a game-high seven intercepts. 7
44. Darcy Wilmot
His numbers were slightly down but used the ball well. Impressively, Wilmot racked up a game-high nine intercepts to go with 15 touches. 6