Sydney game will show how far Adelaide has come, says coach Don Pyke

CROWS coach Don Pyke says the blockbuster Adelaide Oval clash against Sydney will illustrate how much his top-of-the-table team has improved.

IN PLAY: Adelaide vice-captain Rory Sloane receives treatment after hurting his knee against Essendon last week but he trained strongly yesterday to put his hand up for selection against Sydney. Picture: Scott Barbour (AFL Media/Getty Images).

DON Pyke is relishing Friday night’s heavyweight clash against Sydney, saying it will show how much the Crows have learned from their semi-final loss last year.

Adelaide had its 2016 season ended by the Swans at the SCG and has waited nearly a year for some sort of redemption.

PYKE SLAMS LIONS’ CHARLIE HORSE TRADING

“We were beaten by them in the finals last year so it’s a good chance to see the areas we think we’ve improved on against a quality opponent,” said Crows coach Pyke, who hopes to have key weapons Taylor Walker (foot) and Rory Sloane (knee) available for the blockbuster after they trained fully on Wednesday.

“That was a disappointing way to end our season last year and we get a chance against the same club to see how far we’ve come.’’

Adelaide, which has finished sixth in consecutive seasons, has a top-two spot sewn up with two rounds remaining but is keen to finish as minor premier.

It plays a team that has rebounded from losing its first six matches to sit fifth, fighting for a coveted double chance, and has rocketed into third favourite for the premiership behind the Crows and GWS.

Pyke said this week’s clash is more about Adelaide showing how far it has come than denting the Swans’ flag hopes.

“What happens to Sydney is not front of mind for me,” Pyke said.

“It’s less about doing something to their path to the finals, it’s more about us continuing to play the way we want to.’’

The Crows players say they were “embarrassed’’ by Sydney last year when their six-goal defeat was the result of being smashed by 20 in contested possessions.

“We’ll have to make sure we bring our really strong, contested stuff, which is important against Sydney because that’s what they pride themselves on,’’ Pyke said.

“They are about pressure, contested ball and workrate and those are the things that underpin all good teams.’’

Pyke is convinced his team has come a long way since last year.

“I think where we’re sitting reflects that we have,’’ he said.

“Some of our performances during the year – and our numbers – would suggest that we have tightened up in our defensive stuff and our contested ball stuff has been of a really high standard.

“I’ve got no doubt we’ve improved. How far, I don't know.

“That’s the unknown until we come up against quality opposition like Sydney, so that will be the test for us.’’

Originally published as Sydney game will show how far Adelaide has come, says coach Don Pyke