Hugh Greenwood says struggling Adelaide is a realistic chance of making the top eight.

ADELAIDE might be just one false move away from guillotining its season. And three big obstacles lie in their way after the Crows put their feet up this week.

Richard Douglas leads Adelaide from the ground after the round loss to Hawthorn at the MCG. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.

HUGH Greenwood sees life in Adelaide despite one false move guillotining its season in a three-part version of the Hunger Games against heavyweights West Coast, Richmond and Geelong.

Adelaide, in 11th spot with a 6-7 win-loss record, will return from the bye two games out of the eight and treading a minefield against the AFL’s apex predators.

Pre-season favourite Adelaide has been reduced to a mathematical chance of making the eight after a 56-point loss to Hawthorn at the MCG.

Don Pyke’s unit must win at least six of its final nine games — Brisbane away, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, GWS away, North Melbourne, then Carlton round out the minor rounds after confronting the Eagles, premier Richmond and the Cats.

“We certainly think we are a chance, history has shown if you can win 12 games you are a chance to make finals. We have to win six of our next nine which we feel more than capable of,” said Greenwood.

Bryce Gibbs tried hard for the Crows against Hawthorn. Pic: Getty Images

The Crows need at least six more wins to see September. Pic: AAP

“Every game we play there are going to be repercussions and factor where we finish.”

The Crows dispersed to all corners of the nation yesterday for a four-day union stipulated break despite their season hanging in the balance.

Greenwood noted the Crows must compartmentalise the high stakes mission that will confront them on return to West Lakes.

“There will be pressure when those games roll around but in the meantime we have to relax and not think about it too much,” said Greenwood.

Pyke warns “there is no easy way out” of a perilous predicament. Adelaide’s deteriorating ball movement can be addressed on the track. The lack of will to contest against Hawthorn is all mental.

United States president Donald Trump appears a better shot at achieving world peace this year with tyrannical North Korean leader Kim Jong-un than Adelaide does of winning a third flag following Saturday’s showing.

Adelaide’s senior core copped a baking from Pyke — even sore ruckman Sam Jacobs — despite two goals in a sign of the walls closing in at West Lakes. Rory Atkins (12 touches) is also struggling.

“Sauce is one from a form point going OK but one of the guys in that space we are looking for more,” said Pyke who needs skipper Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins to click in unison.

Greenwood said the entire group must shoulder blame for a loss owing to Hawthorn’s unanswered 7.2 third term.

A casualty list including Rory Sloane, Brad Crouch, Rory Laird, Tom Lynch, Mitch McGovern and Brodie Smith is no excuse for Adelaide’s worst losing streak in seven years.

“As senior players they want to lift and drive the team. It is up to the collective, the 22 guys out there. We have shown earlier in the year regardless of injuries, we have been able to win big games of footy,” said Greenwood.

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