Geelong has dominated the coaches' votes in their Qualifying Final triumph over Brisbane, with Ollie Dempsey leading the charge after a dazzling display on Friday night.

A proven performer at the MCG, Dempsey was awarded nine votes by the coaches after finishing with a team-high 25 disposals and three goals against the Lions, also registering nine score involvements and four intercept possessions.

His brilliant half-volley finish in the third quarter brought the crowd to its feet, with Dempsey ultimately recognised as the best player on the ground by the coaches. He now sits third on the overall leaderboard after the first week of Finals.

Following close behind was star defender Tom Stewart, who received seven votes to sit in a tie for sixth on the overall leaderboard.

The leader in an incredible defensive performance by the Cats, Stewart picked off a game-high six intercept marks from his 22 disposals and produced another moment that set the MCG alight, launching home a long-range goal from outside 50 late in the second term.

Finishing with 11 intercept possessions, Stewart went at an impressive 86.4% disposal efficiency and had a big influence to help the Cats secured a home Preliminary Final.

Mark Blicavs was also recognised for his outstanding performance, receiving five votes after moving into the ruck with great effect against the Lions.

The important utility finished with an impressive stat line: 20 disposals, 26 hit-outs, six clearances and nine score involvements, pushing to all parts of the ground to help guide the Cats to victory.

Tom Atkins and Max Holmes both received four votes from the coaches, instrumental in helping Geelong win the clearance battle against Brisbane for the first time since 2022.

Atkins was at his brutal best collecting 17 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal. He had a crucial hand in many contests that helped the Cats win the footy back, standing tall in key moments that go far beyond the stat sheet.

Holmes collected 23 disposals and five clearances but made every touch count, adding five score involvements and eight inside-50 entries, while also launching home a long-range goal in another big moment.

His third quarter in particular was a sight to behold, the second-highest rated quarter by a Geelong player ever in a Final.

The Gary Ayres Award is presented in recognition of the player adjudged the best across the finals series, as voted by the coaches. Votes in the Grand Final receive a 1.5 times loading.

2025 Gary Ayres Award | Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions Votes

2025 Gary Ayres Award | Overall Leaderboard