Sam Butler - 5
Started on Jeff Garlett and his night got off to a horror start when his opponent goaled inside the first 45 seconds. He did look off the pace at times early, but got better as the game went on and finished with 13 possessions.

Dean Cox - 9
Shook off his injury troubles from last week's loss to Collingwood and started on the bench, but had a massive impact whether in the ruck or up forward. Was one of the best on the ground with 19 disposals, 35 hit-outs and a goal.

Jack Darling - 6
Kicked a goal in the second quarter but was well held by Jeremy Laidler for the first three quarters. The first-year forward came up trumps in the last term with two massive goals and some match-saving plays further up the field when Carlton was pressing.

Andrew Embley - 8
Had Dennis Armfield running with him for the first half, but shook him off and was outstanding off the wing, ending up with 28 possessions to be among the West Coast veterans to lead from the front.

Andrew Gaff - 5
Still worked hard and showed flashes of the potential he has shown throughout the season, but was never quite able to get out in the open and really hurt Carlton. Ended up collecting 15 disposals and had three scoring assists.

Darren Glass - 8
Had a horror moment in the dying stages when the ball bounced away from him to allow Jeff Garlett to kick a goal, but that was his only blemish in what was an outstanding game. Completely blanketed Setanta O'hAilpin and was rock solid at full-back for the Eagles.

Shannon Hurn - 6
Kicked a team-lifting goal to start the third quarter to put the Eagles in front by 17 points. Was a solid contributor off half-back and ended up with 15 disposals and four rebounds out of the defensive 50.

Josh Kennedy - 7
Looked like his night was over in the first quarter after a nasty clash of heads with Lachie Henderson had him seeing stars. The Eagles were close to substituting him out of the game, but gave him a chance to regroup after quarter-time and what a move that turned out to be. Against his former team, he kicked three goals and was the most influential forward in the game.

Daniel Kerr - 9
Doubt still surrounded him taking his place in the side right up until the teams ran out onto the field, but he quickly showed that he was ready for the big stage in his first finals appearance since the 2006 Grand Final. Was brilliant in the midfield and looked a class above the other players on the ground. Finished with 27 possessions and eight clearances.

Mark LeCras - 4
Wasted some opportunities and at times didn't do the team things. Had two shots at goal in the last quarter that were out of his range into the breeze and dropped short. Just the one goal, which was crucial in the last quarter, but was well beaten by Marcus Davies.

Quinten Lynch - 5
Still made a contribution up forward with a good long goal in the second quarter, but was well held by Lachie Henderson and didn’t have the impact he has had for much of a rejuvenated 2011 season.

Chris Masten - 5
Showed flashes of good signs throughout the three and a bit quarters he was on before being subbed off, but again his skills let him down at times. Had 13 possessions before being replaced by Patrick McGinnity midway through the last quarter.

Eric Mackenzie - 5
Solid game in defence and had a good battle with Bret Thornton in the first half before Thornton went off hurt. Battled away on different opponents after half-time.

Patrick McGinnity - 5
Only played just over 20 minutes of the game coming on as the substitute at the 13-minute mark of the last quarter, but had an immediate impact with a goal a minute later. Picked up another three possessions in his time out there.

Nic Naitanui - 6
Never quite got free or was able to put his stamp of excitement on the game, but with Dean Cox playing so well he didn’t need to. Still contributed with 26 hit-outs but only had six possessions. Laid five tackles as well.

Mark Nicoski - 7
Has transformed himself into a dangerous half-forward this season and he lived up to the billing. Booted three goals up until the 17-minute mark of the second quarter and had 14 possessions for the game. Spent time keeping Chris Yarran relatively quiet too.

Matt Priddis - 8
An outstanding performance in the middle to finish with 27 possessions, nine tackles and an amazing 14 clearances, including four out of the centre, as he benefited from the dominance of Cox and Naitanui.

Will Schofield - 4
Spent most of the game on Andrew Walker and even though he didn’t do a bad job, Walker still kicked three goals and had a good impact for Carlton.

Adam Selwood - 6
Tried running with Marc Murphy and Mitch Robinson at times when they were across half-forward. Couldn't quite limit their influence, but still had a good impact, providing drive off half-back with 17 possessions.

Scott Selwood - 8
Ran with Chris Judd virtually all night and in the big stage of a final, got the better of the champ. Had 21 possessions and five entries inside-50 up against just 17 disposals from Judd.

Luke Shuey - 6
Was again found wanting in the intensity of a final, but warmed to the task the longer the game went. Finished with 17 disposals, nine tackles and six entries inside-50.

Beau Waters - 7
His kicking out of defence wasn't always spot on and did end up causing some crucial turnovers, but defensively he was terrific, keeping Eddie Betts to just the one goal.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL