Inspired by a record crowd for an AFL match at Adelaide Oval – 53,817 – and a scintillating return to form by Charlie Cameron, the Crows dismissed negative theories about having the bye. Playing their second game in 27 days, they justified their premiership favouritism against Richmond or Greater Western Sydney.

Former Crows star Patrick Dangerfield started at full-forward for the Cats, but by the second quarter coach Chris Scott had him  in the midfield. But by then the Crows had already stamped their claim on this surprisingly one-sided final.

And when one of his best mates, Adelaide's Rory Sloane – who was judged by his peers of the most courageous player this season – crunched Dangerfield with a solid front-on bump, sending the champion Cat flat on his back and obviously stunned, there was absolutely no doubt these Crows were up for a huge fight.

The incident is certain to be reviewed, but given there was no free kick and Sloane was going for the ball, the gutsy Adelaide champion is likely to be clear to play in his first grand final. Up to this significant bump minutes before half-time, Dangerfield had again been a major contributor. 

Hurting Geelong was the key element that hovered for most of this season – not enough depth compared with the Crows.

Adelaide had their quality players, but the spread was even. For the most part, their unrelenting hassling of their opponents, a level of ferocity new to the club this year, and an incredibly potent attack was too much for Geelong.

So much came down to how Adelaide started, and Scott did everything to put doubt in their minds. He had Mark Blicavs and Scott Selwood tagging, particularly Sloane and Matt Crouch, and pressured the Crows at every opportunity. To be able to respond to this pressure and pour on the goals speaks volumes for Adelaide's ability.

The Crows led by 48 points six minutes into the second quarter, and every Adelaide player was part of the early onslaught. Importantly, those who had been relatively quiet of late lifted, players such as Charlie Cameron, who played a key role. And Paul Seedsman continued his improvement from injury with two important early goals.

Cameron has lacked spark of late, but he was electrifying, especially with a sensational mark above a big pack resulting in his fourth goal that earned the praise of his mate Eddie Betts.

Andy Otten produced a very good effort in his return to the side without starring, and now the Crows' selectors have a difficult choice if Mitch McGovern is declared fit after a hamstring strain.

Adelaide was strong in the air. Ruckman Sam Jacobs had the edge over Rhys Stanley at the centre bounces and especially around the ground. The defence was resilient, led by Rory Laird in his 100th game.

Geelong didn't seem too far out of the game – for three quarters. Hurting them, and adding to the frustration, were countless errors and turnovers. Some important names didn't lift when needed – Tom Hawkins, Daniel Menzel and the Nakia Cockatoo among them.

Joel Selwood was given a lot of attention yet played well, as did Mitch Duncan. 

As the pain became intolerable for Geelong, the Crows' goalkicking list mounted, as did the number of people convinced they are the real deal. The margin was surprising. The decibel count against Dangerfield wasn't, and neither was his commitment in adversity nor his obvious disappointment at watching his former teammates march into a grand final.

Sydney Morning Herald