Adelaide fans won't like it, but the Izak Rankine talk will continue to dominate until the Crows' season is over, with the suspended star now a chance at a Grand Final if Adelaide make it to the 'big dance.'
But they face a tall mountain to climb to get there, after a disappointing qualifying final loss to Collingwood.
The Sporting News looks at the best and worst for the Crows after their defeat on Thursday night.
MORE: AFL Qualifying Final Collingwood player ratings: Darcy Moore survives shaky start
Who handled the finals heat?
Jordan Dawson: 6.5
Brought the heat from the start, and had the Adelaide Oval roaring after he pounced on a Darcy Moore mistake to dribble a goal through. Attended the centre bounce 20 times, and was busy around the contest. Seven turnovers from 19 disposals won't reflect the best, however, the result would've been a lot worse for the Crows without their skipper.
Josh Worrell: 9
Stiff to miss out on the All-Australian team last Thursday night, and sent a strong message to the selectors tonight. Kickstarted many attacks for the Crows from start to finish, ending the night with 26 disposals and six marks.
Luke Pedlar: 7.5
Max Michalanney was the headline in for the Crows, but Luke Pedlar was the far more influential inclusion on Thursday night. Started out rough, but went onto kick three goals, including being too strong for Brayden Maynard to kick an important third quarter goal.
Alex Neal-Bullen: 8
In game 200, it was obvious that Alex Neal-Bullen was one of the only Crows that had been on this stage before. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old is now on a five-game finals losing streak, and on the verge of going out in straight sets for the third time in four years after leaving Melbourne.
Still, can hold his head high after a couple of first-minute turnovers. Had 17 disposals and some brilliant entries inside 50, but also turned it over seven times.
Taylor Walker: 8
He might not have produced a big bag, but it was a vintage Taylor Walker performance on Thursday night. 18 disposals, two goals and nine marks in an all-time battle with Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is not a bad effort in game 300. He would've hoped to not let Moore intercept the ball as much as he did though.
Took a big mark late in the fourth on a difficult angle, but a kick we've seen him execute time and time again. Played on in a hurry though and blew it, and the Crows looked out of it from there.
Who needs to bounce back next week?
Ben Keays: 4.5
Well, if the Crows and Pies meet again in the Grand Final, Ben Keays' goalless streak against Collingwood will be a hot storyline. In fact, Keays has not kicked a goal at all against the Pies in his career, despite playing against them 12 times to date. Had chances to break the hoodoo on Thursday night, especially in the third quarter, but couldn't capitalise.
Only two touches in the first half, but played more around the ball in the final two quarters, finishing with 15 total. But not a lot of influence to show for it.
Isaac Cumming: 3
Played a full game, but looking at his stats you'd be forgiven for thinking he was subbed out early. Finishes with just seven disposals and one tackle. Got his hands on it in the second quarter, but emerged from the main break virtually non-existent, with just one disposal in the second half.
Darcy Fogarty: 4
The big three up forward had four goals between them, but Darcy Fogarty had none of them. Had a tough matchup with Brayden Maynard giving him barely any breathing room all night. Almost any time Fogarty got his hands on it in his forward 50, Maynard would come over the top and spoil. Five inside-50's were his second-most in a game this season, but he will be hoping to impact the scoreboard next week.
Max Michalanney: 4
Brought back into the side, and started forward as many expected. Eventually went back and was one of the Crows that seemed just a little rattled by the heat of finals. Took a mark in the middle of the ground with just under four minutes left which could've been worked up to their forwards, but an unnecessary handball saw the Pies hold up the Crows, all but shutting the door on a comeback.
Would think he starts as a defender next week, a role he's much more familiar with.
Brodie Smith: 2
Stiff to judge the sub too harshly, but he burned one of the Crows' final chances at kickstarting a comeback late, overlooking an open teammate inside-50 and putting it down the throat of Darcy Moore. One of the only Crows with finals experience, which could've been useful if he had a full game.