Adelaide coach Don Pyke says a stirring win against GWS feels more valuable than just the four AFL premiership points.
Adelaide’s stirring win against AFL contenders GWS is more valuable than just banking four premiership points, coach Don Pyke says.
The fast-finishing Crows kicked the last four goals of Saturday night’s match to prevail by 21 points against the second-placed Giants.
The victory lifts Adelaide to fifth on the ladder and also lifts their belief they can match it with the AFL’s best.
“I have never doubted that,” Pyke said.
“Even a couple of weeks ago against West Coast, we were well and truly in that game (but lost).
“It (beating GWS) is another four points in reality.
“But it does feel like more than that for us because it gives us that sense that we’re on the right path.”
The Crows have little time to bask in the victory – they host Richmond on Thursday night.
Forward Tom Lynch will face a fitness test after being a late withdrawal against the Giants when hurting a calf muscle in the pre-game warm-up.
Hugh Greenwood was summoned to replace Lynch – he kicked a vital goal in Adelaide’s late charge but was quiet with just seven disposals.
Out-of-favour Bryce Gibbs, dumped to state league ranks for the third time this season, performed strongly in the second-tier competition with 29 disposals and a goal.
Veteran ruckman Sam Jacobs faces a stiff task to return to AFL ranks against the Tigers.
Jacobs has played the past two games in the state league after suffering a knee injury in round two of the AFL.
But his AFL replacement Reilly O’Brien turned in his best game at the top level against the Giants, gathering 17 disposals, 29 hit outs and nine clearances.
“Reilly played really well,” Pyke said.
“His last quarter was huge in terms of his ruck role. He has played some good footy for us.”
© AAP
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