The AFL Grand Final has always been the ultimate stage, where ordinary players rise to extraordinary heights and legends are made under the fiercest pressure. From inspirational captain's efforts to unstoppable goal-kicking sprees, the game has delivered unforgettable individual performances that remain etched into footy folklore. These moments define not just premierships, but careers — and they continue to inspire every player who dreams of holding the cup aloft.
Dustin Martin, Richmond — 2017, 2019, 2020 (the triple Norm Smith)
No player has owned Grand Final day like Dustin Martin. In 2017, he completed the Brownlow–flag–Norm Smith treble with 28 disposals and two goals, capping Richmond's renaissance ("Yellow and black!")
He then produced four goals with 22 disposals in 2019 and another four in 2020 to become the first triple Norm Smith medallist, cementing a big-game benchmark for modern mids who damage on the scoreboard as much as at stoppage.
Tactics & impact: Martin's trademark split-second fend, surge from the contest and one-on-one forward craft forced defensive mismatches and flipped momentum — particularly in 2020 when Richmond came from behind against Geelong. His finishing redefined what "best on ground" looks like for a hybrid mid-forward.
Christian Petracca, Melbourne — 2021
Petracca equalled the Grand Final record with 39 disposals, adding two goals, nine clearances, 24 contested possessions, 15 score involvements and 896 metres gained as Melbourne broke a 57-year drought. His two consecutive centre-burst chains early in the third term flipped a 13-point deficit into total dominance. "We bloody did it," he said afterwards.
Why it endures: It was destruction by timing — seizing the game's hinge and slamming it shut — with numbers that stand beside the very best.
Simon Black, Brisbane — 2003
Black's 39 disposals (still the Grand Final benchmark, matched only by Petracca) plus nine tackles, nine clearances and a goal powered the Lions to a three-peat and remains a template for contested, two-way midfield dominance on the biggest stage.
Why it endures: Pure midfield completeness — accumulation, pressure, territory and scoreboard impact — at dynasty-defining stakes.
Gary Ablett Snr, Geelong — 1989
Nine goals — in a losing side — amid the most brutal decider of the era. Ablett's aerial prowess and set-shot perfection almost dragged Geelong past Hawthorn in a match famous for courage and carnage. It's the gold standard for forward brilliance on Grand Final day.
Context & moments: Against a battered but iron-willed Hawthorn, Ablett's bag kept the Cats alive to the siren — an all-time individual performance regardless of result.
Luke Hodge, Hawthorn — 2014
The skipper marshalled a 63-point dismantling of Sydney with 35 disposals, 12 marks and two goals to claim his second Norm Smith. It was leader's football — intercept, organise, punish — turning defence into instant attack.
Michael Long, Essendon — 1993
Long's 33 touches and two goals, including the iconic slaloming run that still sparks debate, lit the "Baby Bombers" to a flag. His outside speed and carry broke Carlton's shape and symbolised a changing game.
Cyril Rioli, Hawthorn — 2015
With just 18 disposals but 12 score involvements, two goals and four goal assists, Rioli won the Norm Smith on pressure, positioning and pure football IQ — Hawthorn's system personified.
Paul Chapman, Geelong — 2009
Hamstring twinge, last quarter on the line: Chapman still produced 26 disposals and three goals — including the go-ahead winner — to edge Jason Gram on countback in a classic. Tough, clutch, clinical.
Nathan Buckley, Collingwood — 2002 (in defeat)
A 32-disposal captain's game earned Buckley the Norm Smith despite Brisbane's win — one of the rare losing medallists and a performance that forced the league to delay voting until after the siren in future years.
Dom Sheed, West Coast — 2018 (the moment)
Not a medal game, but the moment: Sheed's impossible boundary set shot under maximal pressure sank Collingwood and became instant folklore — proof that one kick can define a Grand Final legacy.
Why these performances matter
Each case marries context (dynasties, droughts, knife-edge scripts) with role execution: Martin's scoreboard surge from midfield; Petracca and Black's centre-square control; Hodge's system leadership; Rioli's pressure-as-playmaking; Ablett's transcendent goalkicking under fire. They recalibrated what greatness looks like on the last Saturday in September — and, for younger fans, Will Ashcroft's 2024 Norm Smith hints the story keeps evolving.
Key Stats at a Glance
- Most Norm Smiths: Dustin Martin (3).
- GF disposals record: 39 — Simon Black (2003), Christian Petracca (2021, equal).
- Most iconic losing GF haul: Gary Ablett Snr, 9 goals (1989).
- Youngest Norm Smith (AFL era): Will Ashcroft, age 20 (2024).
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