ADELAIDE has put a difficult first half of the year behind it and will use Saturday night's stirring comeback win over West Coast as springboard for the rest of the season, coach Don Pyke says
The Crows were magnificent in turning around a 27-point deficit late in the third quarter, booting six consecutive goals to record a 10-point win over the Eagles at Adelaide Oval.
CROWS' SHOW'S BACK ON Full match coverage and stats
It's exactly what the Crows (7-7) needed after four straight losses and ending their controversial partnership with mind training company Collective Mind in the wake of the failed Gold Coast pre-season training camp.
The Crows were the highest-scoring team in the competition last year en route to reaching the Grand Final, however they've averaged just eight goals per game in the past month.
Their final term against the Eagles went back to what they're known for, kicking 6.4 in the last quarter (after 6.10 in the first three terms) as they took risks and capitalised on every opportunity.
"The game wasn't going to be won if we sat back and tried to work our way through, we had to take the game on," Pyke said.
"They were given complete license to play with the attacking flair we know we're capable of.
"The bye came at a really good time, gave us a chance to take stock, have a look at some things in terms of how we're playing.
"We got buy-in from all levels of the club and importantly, we're now about to put that behind us and focus on what we can now control, which is the rest of the year."
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The Crows now have a six-day break before they face reigning premier Richmond at the MCG.
It's a Tigers' side in red-hot form and far improved from the team that lost to the Crows at Adelaide Oval in round two.
The Crows should be boosted by the return of forward Tom Lynch, who missed the win over the Eagles with concussion.
"He's tracking really well," Pyke said.
"He's bright and he's up and about and he trained this morning, so subject to the concussion protocol, he should be available."
WATCH Don Pyke's full post-match media conference
However, midfielder David Mackay is in doubt with a rib injury and will be assessed early next week.
Skipper Taylor Walker led from the front with a huge second half, booting three goals.
Matt Crouch was strong with 20 contested possessions, ruckman Sam Jacobs lifted his game and vice-captain Rory Sloane made a successful return in his first game in 10 weeks after a foot injury.
"We were mindful of not overloading him, so he spent a bit of time mid, a bit of time forward as well," Pyke said.
"He's pulled up well, which is great.
"It was more about getting back out there and making sure he could get through the game and do what he does."
