ADELAIDE is not about to rest on its laurels after shooting up to fifth spot following its sixth consecutive win, according to coach Don Pyke.
The Crows beat Melbourne by 22 points on Sunday to join a group of six teams on 10 wins, one behind ladder leaders Hawthorn.
With the race for a top four spot desperately tight, the Crows would be, right now, considered favourite for seven of their final eight games.
However, Pyke said there were no easy games and their focus was continual improvement.
"We're not sitting here going we're satisfied with our position," Pyke said
"We're looking to keep improving. We know we need to keep improving to continually play strong footy against all opposition."
After conceding eight second-quarter goals, the Crows over overhauled Melbourne in the second half, but Pyke said they could improve in every area.
He said their ball movement was below par at stages and, despite recording exactly 100 tackles (with midfielder Rory Sloane laying 13 tackles for the second week in a row), they were not perfect around the contest.
They did do enough though with Pyke saying the contest was where the game against Melbourne was won.
"It seemed to be the side that was winning it at the contest and getting the ball forward was able to score," Pyke said.
"In the second quarter we lost too many contests."
WATCH: Don Pyke's full post-match media conference
Pyke said Charlie Cameron's speed was important at stages with the whippy forward picking up 17 disposals, the third-highest tally in his 38-game career, and kicking two goals.
Talented midfielder Brad Crouch, who is out of contract at season's end, also took a step forward in his second game back after struggling through the first half of the season.
"[He's in] a far better headspace than he was maybe the last time he played. His running is certainly a lot better," Pyke said.
"He did some really strong work around the contest, won some clearances and some tackling. That's what we know he can bring."
The Crows return to the MCG next Sunday to play Carlton in a match they will be expected to win.
But the coach won't be taking anything for granted.
"The evenness of the competition means each week you have got to keep getting the wins and pushing yourself forward," Pyke said.
