Collingwood flexed their finals experience over Adelaide, booking themselves a home preliminary final in two weeks' time, and ensuring they won't leave the MCG for the rest of September.
At a hostile Adelaide Oval, there were several that stood up, with Darcy Moore leading by example.
The Sporting News looks at how some of the key Magpies performed, including Mason Cox, the big inclusion of the week.
MORE: AFL Qualifying Final Adelaide player ratings: Izak Rankine's season alive after Crows fall
Who won the game for the Pies?
Jordan De Goey: 10
The quintessential September player, Jordan De Goey delivered his best game of his injury-interrupted season when it mattered most. May have not touched the ball much in the first term, but still set the tone with five tackles, before marching on through the final three quarters to 26 disposals and a goal.
It'll be a nervy week though for the 29-year-old after a third-quarter incident with Adelaide's Josh Worrell. Will we see him again in September?
Isaac Quaynor: 10
Silenced the Adelaide Oval after Crows fans rained boos on him all night for... no good reason. That didn't stop him though. Kane Cornes described his first quarter as "outstanding" on commentary, and he hardly put a foot wrong after that.
Was back to his intercepting best in arguably his best game of the season. Finishes with 16 disposals, six marks and five score involvements.
Darcy Moore: 9.5
It was a nervy start for Darcy Moore. Taylor Walker kicked Adelaide's first after taking a big pack mark over the Collingwood captain, and then Moore inexplicably fumbled the ball, allowing Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson to pounce and kick the Crows' second. Moore responded though with one of the great intercepting performances of all-time.
Finished with a game-high 13 intercept possessions, and was effective with the ball, finishing with an 84.6 per cent disposal efficiency.
Brayden Maynard: 9
Say what you want about Brayden Maynard, but he's exactly the type of player you want on your team in September. And he lived up to that reputation on Thursday. Worked well with Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor and Billy Frampton in defence to fight off numerous Adelaide attacks, and refused to be outmarked by Crows' key forward Darcy Fogarty.
Puts in one of the best performances of his season with 20 disposals and 85 per cent disposal efficiency.
Nick Daicos: 8
It's a brilliant game by almost anyone else's standards, but even for Nick Daicos this was a great performance. Started well and kicked an unbelievable goal on the run in the first quarter. Took risks through the middle of the ground, which didn't always pay off. But his fearlessness in taking on the Crows played a big role in the win.
Despite only three touches in the second quarter, still finished with a respectable 24 disposals.
Who will want to lift in two weeks' time?
Brody Mihocek: 3
Missed a sitter early which summed up his night. No goals and five behinds would've had him pulling his hair out had the Crows fought their way back, but he'll sleep easier knowing he's in a preliminary final in two weeks.
To be fair, should've had a goal in the second quarter, but an unlucky bounce denied him of an early September moment.
Dan Houston: 6
Not his worst performance in his Collingwood jumper this season, but when the Pies brought in their star recruit nearly a year ago, they might've hoped for a little more come September. Kicking it out on the full early was a worrying sign. But he worked his way into the game solidly enough and showed the brilliance of his foot at times.
Tried to take a handball receive from Lachie Schultz late which was the wrong decision, but no harm done. We all know he's capable of more over the next few weeks though, which is scary for any opposition.
Tim Membrey: 5.5
Not terrible by any means, as he competed well. Had a set shot late that he would want back, but it didn't come back to bite him. Looked dangerous at times, and didn't quite get the reward for his effort. Will need to impact the scoreboard more though if the Pies are to do damage deep in September.
Wil Parker: 6
For all the talk about Mason Cox's inclusion, Wil Parker coming into the side was perhaps even more surprising. A lot of pressure in his first final, but was solid enough. Tried to bite off a kick through the middle in the fourth that should've resulted in an Adelaide goal, which could've kickstarted a comeback. Fortunately the Crows messed up a golden chance, and Parker was subbed out shortly after.
Didn't do his chances at reselection any harm, but his spot in the side likely depends on whether or not Jeremy Howe is fit by the preliminary final.
How did Mason Cox go?
Rating: 6.5
It's only week one, and we may already have the the biggest selection call of September. In his first game since round 19, Mason Cox was solid, which is about all Craig McRae would've hoped for. Was quiet early but did his job as the second ruck.
Featured more prominently as the game went on, taking three marks in the second half and bringing the ball to ground. Has he done enough to keep his spot over Dan McStay? Time will tell.