Inexperience caught up with the Crows, as they exited in straight sets in convincing fashion despite a minor premiership.
Plenty of Crows will be licking their wounds heading into 2026, which will now commence without their star Izak Rankine, whose four-week suspension will necessitate him missing round one next year.
The Sporting News looks at the Crows who performed, and those that didn't.
MORE: AFL Semi-Final Hawthorn player ratings: Jack Gunston knocks out his former side
Who gave it their all?
Josh Worrell: 9
Probably the only Crow that can say they played well in both finals. A game-high 33 disposals is ridiculous enough for a key defender, but that didn't stop him from starring when defending as well. Intercepted the ball all over the ground, spoiled when going back with the flight, and kept Mabior Chol quiet. Signs off on an unbelievable breakout season.
James Peatling: 7
Often deployed as a tagger, but was able to find the ball a bit himself against the Hawks. Had eight disposals and a goal in the first quarter alone. Fell off a bit after time, but certainly wasn't alone in that regard.
Riley Thilthorpe: 7
Was under a lot of scrutiny after last week's performance, but responded well. Was the only key forward that stepped up for the Crows, kicking multiple goals on an elite defender in Tom Barrass. Only took the two marks though, and despite earning more hitouts, didn't look great as the second ruck against Mabior Chol.
Rory Laird: 9
His numbers have to be seen to be believed. 30 disposals at 96.7 per cent efficiency is just bonkers, quite frankly. Albeit, his disposals didn't carve up the Hawks like you might've thought.
Josh Rachele: 7.5
Says a lot when the sub comes on and has four touches and is still one of your best players. Didn't get his hands on it a lot, even for a half of football, but every disposal almost everything he did was effective. Set Darcy Fogarty up for a goal in the third, before booting two of his own in the fourth, albeit they were rather inconsequential. Still, not bad for your first game in two months.
Who won't sleep for the next week?
Taylor Walker: 1.5
Was caught up in a scuffle with James Sicily early, and one has to wonder if the Hawks' skipper had him rattled. Tex was largely unsupported in a starring performance against Collingwood last week, but couldn't back it up in the semi. Blew multiple chances on his way to a goalless night. Just seven disposals on the night.
Darcy Fogarty: 3
Another poor week for Fogarty, and he'll be kicking himself all summer as the Crows' tall timber were never able to all click on the same night. Had a goal in the third quarter, but was kept quiet outside of that by Jack Scrimshaw. Should've had a goal in the second when the Crows were desperate, but shanked it out on the full from right in front.
Luke Pedlar: 2
After being nearly best-on for the Crows last week, he was unable to follow up his excellent three-goal performance against the Pies. Got a goal from a free kick in the third quarter which was a questionable decision at best, but was hardly noteworthy other than that. Just the four touches.
Mark Keane: 4
Was competitive against Jack Gunston early, but couldn't hang with the All-Australian after halftime. The former Crow ended the night with a bag of five, and Keane allowed him just enough space far too often. A poor kick at the end of the second quarter allowed the Hawks to pounce and build on their momentum heading into the main break.
Reilly O'Brien: 3
Was dominated in the ruck by Lloyd Meek right from the opening bounce. To make matters worse, there were moments where he looked like he had never touched a football before. Lost the hitouts 25-39 against Meek, and had just the seven touches, four of which were turnovers. Will Matthew Nicks be making another last-ditch phone call to Sam Draper this week?