Rory Atkins – 6
Reasonable but nothing outstanding. Can offer a bit of X-factor and will look to improve in the Grand Final. Gained 514m with his 22 disposals.

Eddie Betts – 7
Set the tone early when he showed more desperation to win the ground ball against Tom Stewart, before handballing to Charlie Cameron for a goal within the first minute. Kicked another himself moments later before converting a great snap from the pocket.

SHOWREEL: Check out Charlie's bag of tricks

Luke Brown – 6
Took the kick-in duties with Brodie Smith out injured after the qualifying final. Did his role once again, as he always does.

Full match coverage and stats

Charlie Cameron – 9
His clean hands proved important on several occasions, such as when he collected the footy before booting a thrilling goal on the run from 60m. His huge speccy in the third term was unreal. Finished with five goals.

Brad Crouch – 7
Received some attention from Scott Selwood but was an important part of a midfield that played so well. Picked up 29 disposals and 17 contested possessions.

Matt Crouch – 8
Typically tough in the clinches, despite Mark Blicavs shadowing him early. Another excellent game, with 31 disposals, 16 contested possessions and a goal.

Five things we learned from the first preliminary final

Richard Douglas – 6
Rarely plays a bad game and this was no exception. His pressure often goes unnoticed but it would be highly rated within the club.

Hugh Greenwood – 3
Quiet, didn't have much impact. Just six disposals in 59 per cent of game time.

Kyle Hartigan – 6
Unassuming defender who once again did his job.

Sam Jacobs – 6
Took a ripping pack mark for his side's third goal, and had the better of Zac Smith in the ruck duel.

Josh Jenkins – 4
Not a huge contributor when it counted after being blanketed early by Harry Taylor. Kicked three goals in the last quarter when the result was all but decided.

Jake Kelly – 6
Spent time on Daniel Menzel and shut him out of the game.  

Riley Knight – 4
Given the job on Joel Selwood and crunched the Cats captain whenever he had the opportunity, but the Crow lost the duel.

Rory Laird – 8
So good once again. Racked up a team-high 32 disposals in his 100th match and had plenty of influence in the first half, when the game was alive.

Jake Lever – 5
Has set a high standard for himself this season and was not quite up to that level. Did his best to float across and impact contests when he could.

Tom Lynch – 8
Played the link man role to perfection. The Cats couldn't stop Lynch doing what he does. Notched up 20 disposals and two goals and an equal team-high 10 score involvements. Superb early.

David Mackay – 5
Did his role, no more or less. Finished with 18 disposals.

Andy Otten – 4
Lined up forward in his first game since round 19 but was quiet. Didn't do enough to keep his spot in the team if Mitch McGovern overcomes his hamstring concern for the Grand Final.

Paul Seedsman – 7
Who tipped the former Magpie could be that important in a preliminary final? Kicked a couple of goals among his 19 disposals.

Rory Sloane – 8
Playing his first match in almost a month after having his appendix taken out, the contested bull was big. His crunching hit on Patrick Dangerfield late in the second term was a massive collision. Had 20 disposals and 12 contested possessions, but did his best work early.

Daniel Talia – 8
Took Tom Hawkins completely out of the game. So reliable.

Taylor Walker – 4
Didn't have a big game but wasn't really needed. Booted his two goals in the final term, including a ripping snap from the boundary.