Adelaide Crows don’t fear any rival leading into September finals action

ALL-Australian powered Adelaide fears no-one in September – adamant it can conquer any rival, anywhere as conjecture over a losing home and away finish grates on the minor premier.

ALL-Australian powered Adelaide fears no-one in September – adamant it can conquer any rival, anywhere as conjecture over a losing home and away finish grates on the minor premier.

The Crows’ flag credentials were questioned after losses to North Melbourne, Melbourne and Hawthorn before clinching the McClelland Trophy.

Rory Sloane’s tagging issues, shallow midfield depth, one trick game-plan and missing mongrel were supposed flaws that would derail Adelaide.

Instead Don Pyke’s men are fuelled by the confidence only an unrivalled 6-3 win-loss record this season against fellow finalists can deliver.

David Mackay of the Crows in action during the loss to West Coast Eagles.

“We have had our challenges this year and when we have been challenged the majority of the time we have been able to stand up and will take that belief forward,” said Crows wingman Mackay.

“We understand what we need to bring to play our best footy. We think that will hold up no matter who we are playing, how the big the game.”

Adelaide endured a three-point loss to Sydney in its penultimate minor round clash – courtesy of inaccuracy - but Pyke cited the “progress” made since its semi-final exit last year.

West Coast was fighting for survival in winning a round 23 game of no consequence to the top ranked Crows in Perth last Sunday.

Adelaide won’t be consumed by the psychology of a bye round opposed by all AFL coaches that reduces the advantage for the top four teams.

The Crows view time and rest as their friends before hosting Thursday week’s qualifying final against Greater Western Sydney.

Andrew Gaff of the Eagles tackles David Mackay of the Crows.

Daniel Talia’s strained ankle ligaments get extra time to heal ahead of an encounter with mammoth Jon Patton. Taylor Walker’s troublesome toe will benefit from management.

“It will certainly help some guys and the key is to attack training the right way, make sure we are physically and mentally ready for Thursday night,” said Mackay.

“It should be enough time for everyone to recuperate and go again.

“Tex and Tals are our leaders and we will welcome them back.”

Matt Crouch, Rory Sloane Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts, ruckman Sam Jacobs, defenders Rory Laird, Jake Lever and link man Tom Lynch were named in a provisional 40-man All Australian squad on Monday.

Matt Crouch enjoyed a career high 45 touches against the Eagles while Sloane was exceptional with 23 contested possessions.

“Rory has been great all year and had a few different challenges and credit to him he has been fantastic, a great leader for us,” said Mackay.

“Both Matt and Brad Crouch are in really good form and taking some nice momentum into the finals.”

Adelaide smashed the Giants by 56 points in the season opener at Adelaide Oval to emboss a 7-1 win-loss record laced with 10 goal margins.

Toby Greene will carry sore ribs into the contest but a Giants midfield armed with million-dollar man Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel and Tom Scully is Adelaide priority concern.

“We haven’t played then since round one so a fair bit has changed. They are a quality team,” said Mackay of GWS.

“We have 12 days to prepare and get ready for them. They have quality all over the park and have a good running midfield, work hard. Winning that midfield battle and limiting supply to their forwards will be crucial.”

Adelaide lost contested possession 152-142 against the Eagles with pressure on the ball not “at the level” expected conceded Mackay. Adelaide squandered a 53-50 inside 50 count in the last game at Subiaco - a rare outing of profligacy which will be addressed insisted Mackay.

“We missed too many opportunities but it something we can tidy up pretty quickly,” said Mackay.