The Crows have conceded an average of just 70 points in their past two hit-outs comparable to the averages of the 2005 (69 points against) and 2006 (74 points against).
Adelaide has experienced a change of personnel in the back half this season including second-year player Andy Otten, who has replaced former linchpin Nathan Bassett, and new half-backs Simon Goodwin and Nathan van Berlo.
The Crows have been forced to counter the absence of All-Australian centre half-back Nathan Bock in four of the opening 10 games and have also experimented with a faster, less defensive game plan.
On Sunday, Bock returned from a three-week injury-layoff to restrict Hawthorn star Lance Franklin to just three goals from 12 possessions.
Rutten chimed in to hold Jarryd Roughead to a solitary major and after the game said the new-look group had really started to gel.
“Over the last two weeks the back six have really taken on more responsibility and we’re making sure we’re taking care of our area,” Rutten said.
“It’s also good to have Bocky back after a couple of weeks and he definitely played a big role for us.”
A key to Adelaide’s defence over the past fortnight has been the intense pressure on the ball carrier further up the ground.
The Crows hunted in packs in their wins over Hawthorn and Carlton and were able to restrict the oppositions’ number of inside 50s while generating scoring opportunities of their own.
Coach Neil Craig said Adelaide’s ability to slow the Hawks down on Sunday was great recognition for the club’s defense.
“Twice this year we’ve held AFL sides to no goals at half time. That’s as strong as it gets and I don’t think it’s ever been done in the history of the AFL before,” Craig said.
“We’ve also had some games where it has leaked a fair bit. But now we haven’t got any injuries, so we’ve been able to hold some guys together.”
Adelaide will now prepare to take on Essendon at Docklands on Sunday.
In round 10, the Crows put together consecutive wins for the first time this season and Rutten said the clash with the Bombers presented a good chance to make in three in a row.
“We want to keep our good away form going and we have some winning momentum behind us now.”
