It is natural to think that all the praise would go to Geelong stars such as Jeremy Cameron or Patrick Dangerfield for their four-goal efforts on Thursday night.
Even Bailey Smith and Max Holmes, for their dominance through the midfield and strong running game.
But Cats coach Chris Scott couldn't hold in his admiration for Tom Atkins and Sam De Koning after the Round 5 victory over the Crows.
In his post-match address, Scott singled out Atkins as being the most influential player on the ground, as Geelong turned a 30-point deficit in the first half to a memorable win on the road.
"I don't normally do this," Scott told reporters afterwards.
"We really liked Bailey, and Max was really good as well, but they weren't as good as Tom Atkins. That was a really special game.
"He was special when the heat was on, and we were being outplayed. We thought he was the one that stood up. I only say it because the high-profile guys always get the plaudits. I'm not sure that's appropriate in this situation."
Scott didn't stop his praise there, noting that De Koning was equally as significant in attempting to curtail the four-pronged Adelaide attack.
That task was made all the more difficult as five-time All-Australian Tom Stewart was a late withdrawal with illness, as well as premiership defenders Jack Henry and Jake Kolodjashnij through injury.
The 22-year-old was sent to the most in-form key forward in the competition in Riley Thilthorpe, whilst also providing leadership to a relatively inexperienced backline.
"He's had his challenges over the past couple of years with his body," Scott said.
"I got to stop referencing 22 (his age) at some point when it comes to Sam, but he was, 19 in his second year, and the way I looked at the game, his All-Australian level key defender quality."
De Koning kept the red-hot Thilthorpe to one goal on Thursday night and 13 disposals. According to WheeloRatings, the Crows big man was predicted to reach a rating of 12.4, given his form to date. De Koning kept him to 4.7.
Geelong now have an 11-day break before they take on the ladder-leading Hawks in the traditional Easter Monday clash at the MCG.
