ADELAIDE coach Don Pyke says the Crows’ come-from-behind 29-point triumph over West Coast in Perth has given them more than just the four points.
The Crows surged back from 26 points down midway through the third term, booting the last eight goals of the match to prevail 15.15 (105) to 11.10 (76).
It puts them one win above the Eagles heading into the bye but, more importantly according to Pyke, delivers that intangible – belief – that they can feed on for the run to finals.
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“It was a big game for both clubs in the context of the year and the difference between 7-5 and 8-4 is not to be overlooked, but from a belief viewpoint it just helps with the journey that we’re on,” Pyke said.
“The guys now get a real feeling of what they’re able to create in any circumstances.”
Pyke refused to be drawn when asked if it was as good as the Crows have been since he arrived, but he was obviously ecstatic.
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“We have had some really solid games and wins … but when we are 26 points down halfway through that third quarter, they just kept going,” Pyke said.
“In the last quarter, to finish off the way we did … it’s pretty good, it’s pretty hard to be too critical when you keep West Coast scoreless and come home like we did.
“It’s certainly going to make heading into the break a bit more enjoyable.”
WATCH Don Pyke's full media conference here
Adelaide’s four losses this season have come away against Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs as well as high-flying Geelong at home.
That form, and a sweet run home, suggests the Crows will be in the mix for a top-four spot come September – an unlikely scenario when they lost their top gun Patrick Dangerfield after a tumultuous 2015 campaign.
“I think what we’ve done in the first half of the year is give ourselves the best opportunity for the next 10 weeks,” Pyke said.
“History says you get what you deserve, and our guys have put a lot of effort in and they’ve been rewarded with some good wins.
“We get some confidence from that … it a start.”
Eddie Betts does it again! #ohwhatafeeling #AFLEaglesCrows https://t.co/MMz8uuETAq
— AFL (@AFL) June 11, 2016