Pyke warns execution must improve for the Crows to handle pressure tactics

Adelaide is in repair mode after being taken down by Hawthorn’s pressure in Round 1 but coach Don Pyke is confident his side has the tools to bounce back quickly.

• Crows flaws exposed by Hawks
• Suspected ACL for Doedee on dark day for Crows

Adelaide coach Don Pyke has slammed his side’s ball use and execution but is confident the Crows’ can bounce back quickly after being quelled by Hawthorn’s pressure in Saturday’s low-scoring season opener at Adelaide Oval.

Pyke had warned of Hawthorn’s pressure during the week — and it proved the Crows’ undoing as they managed only seven goals for the night amid errors, intercepts and not taking their chances.

But Pyke was confident it was a scenario that could quickly be reversed as the club has a quick turnaround ahead of playing Sydney at the SCG on Friday night.

“For our guys it was pretty frustrating and disappointing day all around,” Pyke said. “Credit to Hawthorn; they put some pretty good pressure on our guys.

“I just think our ball use overall, from the start all the way to the finish, was just not at the level that’s going to allow yourself to create the opportunities you need to and take those opportunities to put a score on the board.

“Their backs were obviously really disciplined in holding their depth behind the ball on us.

Crows players after the Round 1 loss to the Hawks at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

“We were probably trying to go quick at times but not executing well and we tried to change the angles a little bit and got caught out a bit.

“To many times we were forced down the line and were outnumbered by Hawthorn and didn’t use the ball

“Each opposition will defend a certain way.

“Hawthorn’s defensive stuff today was solid but we probably didn’t help ourselves.

“I thought some of our execution and decision making with ball in hand was not to the level we want.

“So we came in a bit rushed and weren’t as effective using the ball

“We’ve got other plans in place if we are slowed down but we didn’t execute them well.

“But the reality for us is we’ve got six days to Sydney so we can’t dwell on this for too long.

“I’m pretty confident the players have a pretty good feel for what’s happening and we’ll go back to training.”

The Crows copped a couple of injury blows in the loss, with defender Tom Doedee expected to require a season-ending knee reconstruction and veteran Richard Douglas expected to miss at least one week to ankle injury.

Crows medical services co-ordinator Steve Saunders outlined the injuries after the game.

“Tom has sustained an ACL injury to his left knee,” Saunders said. “We will await MRI results and undertake specialist consultation tomorrow. We can then provide further updates.

“Richard has sustained a right syndesmosis, or high ankle sprain in a twisting, tackling mechanism in the fourth quarter.

“As he sustained a similar ankle injury last year, scans will be required tomorrow and re-evaluation midweek is necessary to better understand the extent of injury and to formulate his management plan.”

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