After finishing 2012 agonisingly close to a Grand Final berth, the Crows have lumbered out of the blocks this year and already find themselves behind the eight ball at 1-2.
The side was 31 points up in the third quarter against arch rivals Port Adelaide, but gave up the lead in 15 minutes to lose by nine points.
Sanderson conceded the Power were the hungrier side last weekend and said he would make a statement at the selection table ahead of Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs, rewarding those he could trust.
"There'll be some changes, there has to be … we need some players in our squad at the moment who can play on edge for 120 minutes," Sanderson said.
"I'd rather play players we can trust to give that sort of intensity and that sort of passion for a full game.
"There hasn't been too many players, probably three of four only who have had three really solid games for us."
Laird has been in scintillating and prolific form for West Adelaide and earned a SANFL Powerade Star Search nomination in round one.
His elevation to the senior list sets the stage for his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
"[Laird's] a small defender who can also play through the midfield, but more so for us I think he'd play as a small defender," Sanderson said.
"He's been on our rookie list now for two seasons, he's really competitive and he's been in great form for West Adelaide."
Midfielder Sam Kerridge could also be brought into Adelaide's 22 after consistent performances for Sturt in the SANFL.
Kerridge debuted for the Crows in round three last season against Hawthorn, but it remains his only taste of AFL football.
Sanderson said the intensity and hunger of the strong-bodied 19-year-old could be counted on.
"[Kerridge] didn't play much last year, only the one game, probably deserved to play more but the players that were playing were obviously in great form," he said.
"He might get an opportunity as soon as this week [and] if it comes I'm sure he'll give it everything he possibly can."
Adelaide's poor start to the season had led critics to suggest the Crows would struggle to reach the standards it set in 2012.
Sanderson said such talk only inspired him.
"Don't be offended if we don't listen to you when you write us off, if anything it probably fuels the determination to perform better," he said.
"We're not throwing the towel in."
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
