John Anthony – 6
Didn't touch the ball in the first half, but booted a goal with his first possession in the third quarter and added a further two when the game was there to be won late.
Nathan Brown – 6
Had a crack at Scott Stevens after Tyson Goldsack was moved off him and fared better. Also took Nick Gill and played well when taken deep.
Chris Bryan – 6
Started on the bench and came on to provide Josh Fraser with good support. Didn't impose himself around the ground but shared the hit-out duties well.
Marty Clarke – 7
Started opposed to Richard Douglas. Had a variety of opponents, from Andrew McLeod to Brad Symes to David McKay, and spent time on the wing and down at full-back. Kicked a goal in the fourth that pushed the difference to 20 points.
Travis Cloke – 6
Wasn't a huge factor but neither was his minder Nathan Bock, who was unable to give the Crows his customary drive off half-back. Finished with one goal.
Ryan Cook – 5
In his 11th game, Cook worked hard opposed to Andrew McLeod, picked up a decent amount of the ball and withstood the occasion of his first final well.
Shannon Cox – 5
Good third-man-up tap to set up Thomas goal in third quarter. Kicked the opening goal of the game and ran with Vince for a big part. Did okay.
Leon Davis – 8
Was brilliant early and provided the spark the visitors needed to get off to a strong start away from home. Was afforded plenty of attention after the first quarter when his influence waned.
Chris Dawes – 6
Another youngster who showed some promising signs under pressure. His third goal restored a 14-point lead when the Crows were threatening to finish over the top of the Pies.
Josh Fraser – 8
Kicked brilliant rover's goal in first quarter. Was good at the centre bounces and was the most effective ruckman on the ground in general play.
Tyson Goldsack – 4
Not a day to remember for the young defender. Was matched up on Scott Stevens, who kicked four on him before he was moved.
Tarkyn Lockyer – 6
Spent time matched up on Tyson Edwards and Nathan van Berlo and minimised the impact of both. Dislocated a finger in the second and spent time on the bench.
Nick Maxwell – 9
Shut down Adelaide playmaker Scott Thompson to be one of the Pies best in a role to which he is unaccustomed. Kicked a much-needed goal to stop the Crows' run of five majors in the second term.
John McCarthy – 5
Another Magpie youngster in his first final who didn't disgrace himself. Showed plenty of courage in trying to bring down big Ben Rutten.
Paul Medhurst – 7
Battled against Kris Massie all day and didn't have a huge impact on the scoreboard, but kept presenting and set up a couple of his teammates in better scoring position.
Shane O'Bree – 8
Finished high amongst the leading possession winners and was a key player throughout. Strong around the stoppages with his clearances setting up plenty of attacking plays.
Harry O'Brien – 8
Played on Simon Goodwin when the Crows' skipper was up forward and generally didn't give him a look in. Spent some time on Bernie Vince and was equally effective.
Scott Pendlebury – 6
Was quiet early, but became more important late when the game was in the balance.
Simon Prestigiacomo – 8
Copped a heavy knock to a shoulder in the first quarter, but it didn't stop him from shutting Kurt Tippett out of the game. Vindicated Mick Malthouse's tough decision to go with him over Shane Wakelin.
Rhyce Shaw – 5
In and out of the game. Spent time on Michael Doughty without a great deal of success.
Dane Swan – 9
Was an important contributor over four quarters and kicked two goals to finish the second half when the Crows were on fire to keep the Pies within striking distance.
Dale Thomas – 7
Went missing for large periods of the first half, but kicked a brilliant goal seconds before the three-quarter time siren that took the wind out of Adelaide's sails and was a key figure late.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
