After being made to wait 12 seasons since their last flag, Geelong's players, staff and fans could be forgiven for entering Saturday's decider with trepidation on the mind.
Still, by the final siren's sound, the 81-point margin proved that the Cats were, once again, the greatest team of all.
Check out how every member of Chris Scott's clowder performed on the day.
1. Rhys Stanley - 8/10
Rose to the occasion and proved himself to be the best big-man at stoppage time. The Cats have been crying out for a ruckman to get them across the line and the former Saint delivered in spades.
2. Zach Tuohy - 7/10
Stoic and silky, Tuohy turned in a standard performance. Given Sydney's forward thrusts came aeons apart, the rebounder wasn't asked to do much for lengthy periods. Still, a flag in a milestone game will have all Irish eyes smiling.
3. Brandan Parfitt - N/A
Watched on from the bench for the vast majority of the afternoon before hopping on late and jumping on the scoresheet. The Northern Territorian has served his side well all season and deserved his capping moment at the City End.
5. Jeremy Cameron - 4/10
Broke through for a major late, but while those around him dined out, the spearhead was well held by his opposite number, Robbie Fox. The Cats parted with a King's ransom to land the former Giant, but Cameron's 50+ goal season was near flawless.
7. Isaac Smith - 10/10
Take a gander at the stats sheet and you will find that the former Hawk was in everything. A deserving winner of the Norm Smith Medal. As the afternoon unfolded, it became increasingly obvious that three premiership medallions wouldn't be enough to satisfy Smith.
8. Jake Kolodjashnij - 7/10
Was told during the week he would get the gig on Isaac Heeney and when tasked with quelling the star Swan, the defender stepped up with aplomb. Played his role within the league's stingiest defence sublimely.
14. ย Joel Selwood - 8/10
At quarter-time, the skipper appeared as though he would cap his first flag as chief with the Norm around his neck. Willed his side, as only he can, and basked in the applause of the 100,024 crowd. If this is the end, it couldn't have been more fitting.
16. Sam De Koning - 8/10
Though tasked with minding a hobbled Sam Reid, the Dutch King proved devastating both in the air and on the ground. Across the entirety of the 2022 season, De Koning dominated, with the final Saturday in September no different. Hard to imagine exactly where the youngster's ceiling is.
18. Tyson Stengle - 9/10
How good was that? A year ago, Stengle was fighting for a third chance, claiming a flag with Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL. With his chance granted, the former Tiger and Crow made every post a winner to cap a fairytale season. Four goals? Wow.
22. Mitch Duncan - 7/10
Wore the green vest the last time the Cats dined out, and turned it on when it came his chance to go in 2022. Duncan's magnet has been thrown about of late, but irrespective of where the Western Australian is asked to go, he gets the job done. Deserved his goal to start the second half.
23. Gary Rohan - 4/10
While the knockers will say that it was another quiet afternoon at the office for Rohan, those with attuned eyes saw the intangibles in the former Swans' game. Despite, no doubt, holding a desire to have dined out in the rout, the medal around Rohan's neck will act as the proverbial bird to his haters.
24. Jed Bews - 6/10
The local lad played his role with aplomb and with the medal around his neck, Bews goes one better than his old man and former Geelong great, Andrew. Part of the Cats' defensive unit that showed up and showed out on the season's grandest stage.
26. Tom Hawkins - 8/10
Dominant. But then again, what's new? Save for a few near misses, Hawkins' afternoon was near perfect. Saw the lion's share of entries, given Jeremy Cameron was well held. Proved to be at his altruistic best, slotting his own goals and aiding others along the way.
29. Cameron Guthrie - 7/10
Like Greenwich Mean Time, Guthrie is as consistent as can be. Got busy to begin with, helping his side with the footy at the coalface. Nothing flashy from the original Hairy Cat, however, Guthrie joined the party in the third, slotting a goal.
30. Tom Atkins - 6/10
The Fish Souvlaki-loving scrapper built into the game and turned in another solid shift. Capped his steady rise from the reserves, laying tackle upon tackle along the way.
32. Gryan Miers - 6/10
While the Geelong native failed to reach his preliminary final heights, the formerly dreadlocked forward didn't need to. Had a few near misses in front of goal, but did his best work acting as a conduit to those further afield.
35. Patrick Dangerfield - 9/10
Only Shane Crawford had to wait longer to reach the game's summit, but with every fibre of his being willing his side to glory, Dangerfield was narrowly shaded for Norm Smith honours. The former Crow has long been chided for his lack of premiership success, but these barbs will be hard to hear from cloud nine.
38. Jack Henry - 8/10
Took Lance Franklin apart to the point the Swans' superstar earned Bronx Cheers during the final term. Has played forward of the ball at stages, but with Buddy's scalp on his belt forever more, it'll be hard to see Henry plying his trade anywhere else but the back-arc now.
39. Zach Guthrie - 6/10
Few would have tipped this ascent from the baby-faced defender, but credit must go to the younger Guthrie brother; a tale of persistence and conquering.
42. Mark O'Connor - 6/10
Took his place on the park at the eleventh hour and did his teammates proud. Dominated his wing post, blanketing Justin McInerney, and chipped in well on the defensive side of the ball.
44. Tom Stewart - 6/10
Had Ryan Clarke for company. Didn't need to be at his best, but the four-time All-Australians efforts were clear to see. Some days you don't need to be at your best.
45. Bradley Closeย 8/10
Almost ubiquitous in his long-sleeves, Close came close to perfection himself, getting the job done on both sides of the ball. Save for a few other stellar performances, the poker-faced forward could have walked away from Saturday with two medals. Tremendous conduit and his two goals were just reward.
46. Mark Blicavs - 8/10
With such a unique skillset, Blicavs is close to the Cats' most valuable player. Got busy in the ruck, behind the ball and up forward; performing all tasks with the class you would expect. Has been a staple in Chris Scott's side for seasons, the athlete can now add a premiership medallion to his pair of best and fairest awards.
