LADDER leader Adelaide is wary of resting players and losing momentum heading into the finals, utility David Mackay says.

The Crows are assured of a top-two spot irrespective of Sunday's clash with West Coast at Domain Stadium.

"It's really important as a player to keep that continuity and keep playing, particularly at this time of year, to maintain that match fitness and match hardness is crucial," Mackay said.

"From my perspective, I love the continuity of keep playing.

"We've come off two six-day breaks, so the extra break is quite beneficial for us."

The Crows have nine days to recover after last Friday night's three-point loss to Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

Key defender Daniel Talia left the ground with an ankle injury, but returned to finish the game.

"He seems to pull up really well," Mackay said.

"Obviously it's really early in the week, so with a long break this week we'll get a chance to get some training in, particularly towards the end of the week, he'll get going and we'll see how he goes.

"It's probably a bit too early at this stage to know too much."

Mackay also said skipper Taylor Walker (toe) pulled up well after he was in doubt to face the Swans.

The Crows responded after a slow first quarter to have the better of general play against the Swans.

But wayward goalkicking – the Crows kicked 11.14 to the Swans' 13.5 – and some poor decisions when the game was in the balance cost them dearly.

"We need to learn how to handle that situation a bit differently next time," Mackay said.

"Probably just our composure with the ball going forward, we missed a few targets and in the end, gave them a few opportunities and they were good enough to take them.

"Goalkicking wasn't at the standard as it has been and it cost us on Friday night."