Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions player ratings: The four players who score a perfect 10 in a September classic

It’s so often said that September is the time the biggest and best step up most, and Saturday’s thriller at the MCG in front of a shade under 98,000 people was proof of that.

In a match that had nail-biter written all over it, both the Hawks and Lions had their chances, but it was the two-time reigning premiers who did just enough when it mattered most.

The time will come for Sam Mitchell’s group, which is stacked with match-winning talent in its own right, but to be the best, they’ve got to beat the best.

Four-time AFLW premiership player Libby Birch (Hawthorn) and reporter Jon Pierik (Brisbane Lions) run their eye over a preliminary final that will live long in the memory of all who saw it.

(1) Harry Morrison: Provided good early spread and a reliable outlet on the wing, but faded after half-time and conceded two costly turnovers by foot in the third quarter that handed Brisbane momentum. Huge smother on the boundary with 2 mins to go. 6/10

(2) Mitch Lewis: Set the tone with a strong inside-50 tackle and two first-quarter goals in quick succession, producing a career defining mark in the 4th. 8.5 /10

(3) Jai Newcombe: His bump on Lachie Neale at the opening centre clearance appeared to rattle him, and he conceded several early free kicks, before working his way back into the contest. 6/10

(4) Jarman Impey: Had Conor McKenna deployed as a defensive forward on him for much of the night and lacked his usual damaging influence from half-back, although he worked desperately to shift momentum after half-time. A holding the ball call could haunt him forever. 6/10

(5) Nick Watson: Is this just about the best finals performance we have seen? He was elite all game, first in his match-up with Ryan Lester, drawing him high up the ground and repeatedly beating him back towards goal, while kicking the opener with a classic soccer finish from Hawthorn’s first inside 50 and influencing centre clearances as the Harry Potter music fittingly rang out. 10/10

(6) James Sicily: Produced several important early spoils and intercept marks to steady Hawthorn, before Sam Mitchell’s inspired move to the wing and a courageous intercept mark running back with the flight underlined his influence. 7.5/10

(8) Dylan Moore: Started superbly, using his running power to create handball chains down the wing, and remained a consistent connecting presence while trying to lift Hawthorn at every stage of the game with his offensive presence. 9/10

(9) Connor Macdonald: Worked high as a linking half-forward and pushed up to provide coverage around stoppage. 6/10

(10) Karl Amon: Quiet early before his precise ball use came to the fore in the second quarter, but he was unable to stem the influence of the Lions’ small forwards once momentum shifted after half-time. Had a huge moment in the fourth to push the momentum the Hawks’ way. 6/10

(12) Will Day: He impacted early with important tackles and showed composure with ball in hand, a very strong performance. 7/10