ADELAIDE expects Richmond to bring the same 'in-your-face' football to Adelaide Oval on Friday night that saw it beat premiership favourite Hawthorn last week.
The Tigers have earned the 'bully' tag in recent weeks, with skipper Trent Cotchin going out of his way early to rough up the Hawks in the 22-point win.
Teammate Dylan Grimes said he wanted his side to be an "uncomfortable" opponent and, given the success of the tactic, Crows coach Scott Camporeale is anticipating the same on Friday.
Match preview: Crows v Tigers
But he insisted his side was ready and willing to "embrace" a tough, physical clash that will prove telling for the club's finals chances.
"If you've watched their games the last three weeks against quality opposition that's what they've brought," Camporeale said.
"That's a model that's obviously worked for them against top four sides, so I'd be staggered if they come with any different attitude.
"You have to embrace it, it's part of AFL footy…if you think an opposition team's not going to come with that sort of pressure or heat on a Friday night…I'd be mystified.
"Our players understand that, we've trained for it all week and I'm sure they'll come with a really fierce attitude tomorrow night."
The club's uphill battle to make the top eight was made steeper this week by the loss of Richard Douglas to injury, the key midfielder undergoing surgery to remove his appendix on Monday evening.
Crows star to miss critical Tigers clash
Douglas’ absence will be felt by the side, although Camporeale said the form of the SANFL team meant there were plenty of able replacements ready.
Victory over the Tigers on Friday would provide a massive boost to Adelaide's chances of qualifying for the finals, and could edge the club into the top eight if Geelong loses to the Sydney Swans.
Regardless of what happened to other sides in the remaining five rounds, Camporeale said there was only one way the Crows could ensure they progressed past round 23.
"You just don't know what's going to happen and how other teams are going to fall so, as I've said all along, we've just got to make sure we keep winning," he said.
"We can't rely on other teams losing for us to get in."
