Jed Bews – 5
Was reasonable in defence despite being under plenty of pressure.

Mark Blicavs – 4
Used in defensive roles early, mainly on Matt Crouch, but was pushed out to a wing relatively early since the Cats had to use their big guns in the midfield. Finished with 12 disposals.

Full match coverage and stats

Nakia Cockatoo – 5
The youngster played in attack in his first game since July. The gamble came off, with Cockatoo coming through unscathed and putting on pressure when given the chance. There weren't a lot of chances though.

Patrick Dangerfield – 7
Started forward and despite an early mark, didn't have much of a chance to impact because of the Crows' domination. Starred in the second quarter when he went in the middle. Tried to do too much at times, although that was understandable considering his side's struggles.

Mitch Duncan – 6
His kicking was good, as per usual, and was on show when he slotted a long-range goal in the second quarter. Collected 25 disposals and 10 contested possessions.

Tom Hawkins – 3
Shut out of the contest by Daniel Talia. Booted just one goal.

Lachie Henderson – 4
Shaky in defence. Highlight of the night was a brilliant snap from the boundary in the last term.

Jake Kolodjashnij – 4
Had the job on Tom Lynch but was moved off the Crow early in the second term after being comprehensively beaten.

Five things we learned from the first preliminary final

Darcy Lang – 5
Had some great efforts, such as when he won a free kick for a tackle on Jake Lever. Hitting the post with his left-foot snap hurt though, when the Cats still had a sniff.

Tom Lonergan – 4
Not how he wanted his career to end. His kick that went out on the full early set up the Crows booting their third goal of the game. Part of a defence that was sloppy.

The farewell was definitely not the one Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie wanted. Picture: AFL Photos

Andrew Mackie – 7
Played well in his final match. Backed his kicking skills and delivered it well.

Sam Menegola – 4
Would be disappointed to have had a poor one in a preliminary final, after having had a pretty decent season. Padded his stats late to finish with 23 disposals and a goal but was nowhere when it counted. The shanked set shot for goal in the third summed up his night.

Daniel Menzel – 4
Very quiet, but didn't have a great deal of opportunities. Went goalless and had just nine disposals. Took a running long shot at the end of the second half but didn't make the distance, when he had other options.

Every Crow rated from the first preliminary final

Steven Motlop – 7
Couldn't fault his work rate or delivery. An energetic presence and gained a match-high 624m with his 26 disposals.

Brandan Parfitt – 4
Another quiet Cats forward, although it's harsh to be too scathing on a first-year player. Had 11 disposals.

Joel Selwood – 8
Clearly his best game of the finals. Shook off the Riley Knight tag to rack up 34 disposals and 19 contested possessions. Appeared to injure a groin late but came back on, even though the result wasn't in doubt.

Joel Selwood led the only way he knows how. Picture: AFL Photos

Scott Selwood – 5
Appeared to hurt his left hamstring early but played out the match, albeit only managing 64 per cent of game time. Spent time on Rory Sloane and Brad Crouch early but the Cats had to ditch that tactic after they fell behind, since they needed to work their way back into the contest.

Zac Smith – 5
Shaded in the ruck duel and didn't have much impact around the ground.

Rhys Stanley – 4
Quiet in his 11-disposal performance.

Rhys Stanley wasn't given much room to move. Picture: AFL Photos

Tom Stewart – 5
Had moments both good and bad. His lack of desperation allowed Eddie Betts to set up the game's first goal for Adelaide, but came up with a brilliant left-handed spoil soon afterwards.

Harry Taylor – 7
Lined up on Josh Jenkins to bring back memories of 'hamgate'. Jenkins finished with four goals but three were in junk time. Taylor won the duel.

Zach Tuohy – 6
One of his side's better performers, with 22 disposals and 387m gained.