David Astbury – 7
Had a crucial fumble on the wing in the first term that allowed Charlie Cameron to charge forward, but settled thereafter. The tall defender spent most of his time on Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker and, for the most part, quelled his impact extremely effectively.

Nathan Broad – 6
A few nervous moments early for the young defender, however, after a few deep breaths, he too managed to find his feet. Broad didn't do anything outstanding, but his defensive efforts on Adelaide's Tom Lynch were solid.

Dan Butler – 5
His forward line pressure has been crucial to the Tigers all season and when the team lifted in the second term so did he. His chase down tackle on Rory Laird in the middle of the MCG in the second term was crucial.

Josh Caddy – 6
Important in stages in his first Grand Final, just a season after crossing from Geelong. Spent most of his time playing as a deep forward and looked dangerous in the air. Knows how to use his body and make a contest in the air when his team requires it.

Jason Castagna – 5
The young forward did not have a huge impact on the game, but a clever right foot snap goal after Dustin Martin's unselfish handball in the third quarter got the Tiger fans roaring.

Trent Cotchin – 6
Controversially avoided suspension for his big hit on Dylan Shiel that left the GWS midfielder with a concussion last week and looked at home on the big stage. The Tigers' skipper had to deal with the tag of Riley Knight all day, but he persisted and his pressure around the ball proved crucial.

Shane Edwards – 8
Provided an x-factor up forward and through the middle of the ground. Worked the angles to free up his teammates and was often seen fishing the ball out from the bottom of a pack. Had 24 touches, seven clearances and eight inside 50s to be one of the Tigers' best.

Brandon Ellis – 6
The rejuvenated Ellis has been an important cog for the Tigers in defence this season and he continued to provide run and carry on September's biggest day. Spent time on the dangerous Charlie Cameron, but got out in space on numerous occasions and hit up targets.

Jack Graham – 8
The only teenager in this year's Grand Final, Graham did not wilt under the pressure. In fact, he went the other way in just his fifth AFL game, by booting three goals as one of the heroes of the Tigers' premiership win. A huge tick for the youngster's temperament that he was one of his side's best players.

Shaun Grigg – 6
The midfielder spent time as the back-up to Nankervis in the ruck and booted Richmond's sixth goal in a row when he converted a set shot in the third term to put his side up by 22 points. Ran hard to create for his side.

Dylan Grimes – 7
Part of a stingy back six that did not allow Adelaide's forwards any breathing room whatsoever. He and Nick Vlastuin predominantly had the role of minding Betts, and they both carried it out with aplomb.

Bachar Houli – 8
The dashing defender was one of Richmond's best players, especially in the first half as his ability to break the play up with precision kicking came to the fore. Was allowed room to roam and made the most of it with 23 disposals and a goal.

Kane Lambert – 7
There was some concern about his fitness leading into the game, but the half-forward did not appear to be hampered at all. Covered the most kilometres of any player on the ground, separated the play and brought the trademark pressure he has become known for. 

Dustin Martin – 9
The superstar Tiger had 14 touches in the first half and his power to escape the clutches of Crow opponents was on full display. The Norm Smith medallist lifted to a new level in the second half, bringing his teammates into the game with a number of unselfish pieces of play. Capped off his performance with a brilliant goal across his body in the final term.

Kamdyn McIntosh – 4
Ran hard to link up through the middle of the ground, covering the fifth most amount of kilometres of any player on the ground. Did not have a lot of the footy, but kept his width on the wing and did what was asked of him.

WATCH: Dusty's dominant day on the big stage

Toby Nankervis – 4
The undersized big man was being nudged off the footy too easily early in the game, but to his credit he fought back to at least create a contest against Adelaide big man Sam Jacobs. Got smashed in the hit-outs, but Richmond won the clearances and that area of the ground was important in the final result.

Dion Prestia – 8
The club's star off-season recruit was instrumental in the Tigers' victory. Only Dustin Martin had more disposals than the former Suns player and Prestia stood firm even when Adelaide got on top early in the game. Finished with 25 disposals (11 contested) and a clever goal that got Tigers fans out of their seats in the final term.

Alex Rance – 9
Further enhanced his reputation on the biggest stage and quite rightly deserves the mantle as one of, if not, the greatest defenders of the modern era. Towelled up Andy Otten who had the responsibility as a defensive forward and was impassable down back. Had just 11 disposals, but 10 intercept possessions were testament to his ability to interrupt play down back.

Jack Riewoldt – 7
The spearhead forward has played a more selfless role in 2017, but on Saturday he had moments where he displayed his individual class. Riewoldt took three huge pack marks throughout the day and constantly presented to provide a target. Kicked three behinds in the first quarter, but added two majors to be an important player.

Daniel Rioli – 5
Was the match-winner with four goals in the preliminary final last week and continued his strong form in the Grand Final. The words run and chase were visible on his wrist tape and he embodied those two elements. Pressure king. Ended the day on the bench with an injury, but that shouldn't sour the premiership win too much.

Jacob Townsend – 7
One of the individual stories of the season, Townsend was vital for the Tigers in just his fifth match for the year. The VFL's best and fairest player turned the tide of the game with a ruthless tackle on Matt Crouch in the second term and rose to the occasion with a pressure-moment set-shot goal moments later to bring his side back into the contest. Ended his day with two goals and five tackles – exactly what the coach was after.

Nick Vlastuin – 5
Had a number of uncharacteristic shaky moments early in the contest, but bounced back and played better the longer the game went. The solid defender had time on Eddie Betts and kept him under check. Had 15 disposals and six rebound 50s.


THE COACH
Damien Hardwick – 9
What a story for the AFL Coaches' Association coach of the year. Took his team from 13th on the ladder in 2016, where his coaching credentials were being questioned, to a premiership a year later. Made some changes to the game style over pre-season, which centred around applying pressure up forward. Backed his young players in and got the ultimate reward.