A host of Blues lowered their colours in the second half as Carlton officially “hit the wall” on Friday night.

Foxfooty.com.au rates all 23 Carlton players out of 10 from its Elimination Final against Geelong.

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2. Lachlan Cowan

Was tasked with handling Patrick Dangerfield. While Cowan, who spoiled plenty and gave good effort, kept him quiet early, ‘Danger’ progressively hurt the Blues as the game went on. 5

4. Oliver Hollands

Matched up at times against Jeremy Cameron, who spent some time on a wing. Kicked a goal in the second quarter, but like his team, saw his impact wane in the third term. 5

5. Adam Cerra

Got involved off half-back, using his legs to get Carlton going forward and pulling off a few impressive kicks. He led the Blues for metres gained. 6

7. Jagga Smith

Busy at the outset, the 2026 Rising Star looked potent at stoppage as he quickly racked up plenty of the footy. However, after nine first-quarter touches, he drew the attention of Oisin Mullin — and that troubled him. He couldn’t have a genuine impact after quarter-time; a lesson he’ll learn plenty from. He had 12 touches over the final three quarters as Mullin stemmed his run. 5

9. Patrick Cripps

Kicked one of the most skilful goals of his career in the first quarter — a term in which he set the tone with three clearances. He was ever-present at the contest but wasn’t able to have a huge influence on the game, particularly in the second half. 6

10. Harry McKay

Dealt with Connor O’Sullivan, who kept the left-footer quiet for most of Friday night. Played an important pack-crashing role and kicked a goal, but it wasn’t a great outing on what was a tough night in soapy conditions. 4

11. Mitch McGovern

Had Zach Guthrie to start. Failed to have a notable impact on the match, finishing as Carlton’s lowest ball-winner. 3

12. Ben Ainsworth

After one of the best games of his career last week, Ainsworth was quieter on Friday night but still did a handful of good things, including jagging a couple of majors. 6

13. Blake Acres

Was tasked with running with Ollie Dempsey. Missed a sitter early in the game that would’ve set the tone and didn’t get a heap of the footy. 4

14. Oliver Florent

Got his hands on the footy and made sound decisions when called upon, but wasn’t incredibly impactful. Still, he was again a cool head when it was hot in the defensive half. 6

15. Billy Wilson

Trailed Ollie Henry. Got involved early, tallying nine first-quarter touches. He committed a costly turnover with a kick-in to start the second half, but on the whole was tidy with the Sherrin and showed his capability on the big stage, finishing with 26 disposals. 6

17. Brodie Kemp

Kemp had to deal with Jack Henry. Kicked an important goal early in the second half. 6

18. Sam Walsh

One of the best finals players in recent memory had gun Geelong tagger Oisin Mullin for company, at least early. The tag was dropped in the second term, which coincided with Walsh’s growing impact on the game. He had five score involvements with 14 possessions by half-time. But he’d be disappointed with his second half, which saw a couple of errors with ball in hand. 6

23. Jacob Weitering

Went to Shannon Neale. Was a calming presence from the get-go, with his body-work in one-on-one contests a particular strength. “They (the Cats) have got to think about Weitering when they go forward,” Garry Lyon said. He had four intercepts and three marks at the main change. “He just puts himself in really, really good positions … he’s been excellent,” Tom Hawkins said. A third-quarter corky wouldn’t keep him down, but he lost his first one-on-one of the game at the start of the last quarter. 7

27. Marc Pittonet

Troubled Mitch Edwards with his physicality for most of the night, consistently getting first hands to the ball. Against Mark Blicavs, too, it was advantage Pittonet for a while. But once Geelong got on top, Edwards won some points back. 7

29. George Hewett

Typically clean and unflinching at the coalface, leading his team with 15 disposals, 10 contested possessions and seven tackles at half-time. Like many teammates, his impact took a hit in the second half. 6

33. Lewis Young

Played in the forward half while chopping out in the ruck. Unsurprisingly didn’t see much of the footy, but when he did, the decision-making was a bit suspect. His three kicks to three-quarter-time were all ineffective. 3

35. Harry Dean

Initially went to Jay Polkinghorne. The young star’s second AFL final didn’t go as swimmingly as his first, copping a knock to the face in the second term and never truly recovering, despite playing out the game. 4

36. Cooper Lord

Made the most of his set-shot opportunity in the first term. He bobbed up at stoppage and provided admirable defensive pressure, showing he wasn’t overawed by the occasion. 6

39. Talor Byrne

Wasn’t sighted often but gave good efforts when the footy was nearby, including a terrific smother while manning the mark of a Tanner Bruhn shot at goal. 4

44. Francis Evans

Could hold his head high, leading his side for score involvements. His forward-50 pressure was rewarded with a goal in the first quarter — a term in which he already had four score involvements. Delivered a beautiful goal assist to Ollie Hollands in the second term. 7

46. Matthew Cottrell

Kicked a first-quarter goal and was able to get free in the forward half on a few occasions. But with minimal touches, he was almost unsighted later in the game. 5

47. Wade Derksen

Back into the side at the expense of the injured Nick Haynes. Was beaten in a few one-on-one battles. 4