ADELAIDE'S players are intent on honouring the legacy former coach Phil Walsh started on the two-year anniversary of his death.
The Crows and the entire football community were rocked when Walsh was killed by his son Cy on July 3, 2015.
"It's an emotional day and we never forget what he did for us in the short time he was here," Crows defender Brodie Smith told reporters.
"The care he showed for the players and how much he wanted to win and how much he loved the game really rubbed off on us all.
"He really started something in this group, a strong culture that started with Tex (Taylor Walker) being (appointed) captain.
"We'll definitely try and honour what he started here."
Walsh coached the Crows for the first 12 games of the 2015 season.
He was also highly respected through assistant coaching roles at Port Adelaide and West Coast, and a playing career that included stints at Collingwood, Richmond and the Brisbane Bears.
The Crows returned to training on Monday to start preparing for Friday night's clash with reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.
Forward Tom Lynch is unlikely to return after he missed last weekend's win over Carlton with viral meningitis.
"I sent him a text this morning, he's feeling pretty good, so hopefully he's around the club this week," Smith said.
"We just thought he was home sick then got the news it was a bit more serious than that.
"Thankfully he's back home now and here during the week and feeling a lot better."
The Crows will be forced into at least one change with defender Kyle Hartigan set for a period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Hartigan tweaked his hamstring early in the game against the Blues, then did more damage to it later on.
Utility Andy Otten – who can play in attack and defence – is his likely replacement.
"It's just a case of trying to figure out how bad it is and do you take the risk of going back out there," Smith said.
"If he is to miss, Andy Otten can play both ends of the ground and he's very capable down back.
"I'd imagine it's Andy Otten to come in for him."
The second-placed Crows consolidated their spot in the top four, but still face questions about their premiership credentials after four wins in their past eight games.
"We started the year really well and then we've been challenged a couple of times and disappointed with our efforts," Smith said.
"It was a bit of an ugly game and we didn't get to play our game, but we were able to grind out a win.
"Finding ways to win when the game isn't on our terms is something we'll keep working on."
