The Crows appeared in danger of claiming their first wooden spoon seven weeks ago, but have rocketed back into finals contention since the mid-season break.
The club has won its past four games, including an 11-point upset over reigning premiers Geelong at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.
Doughty said the shock win over the Cats had given the players a huge boost heading into the remaining six rounds.
“It was an important win for where we were in the year and what we’ve been through at the start of this year, but we’re a pretty level-headed group and we understand that it’s a new week,” Doughty said on Wednesday.
“Every week at the moment we’re playing a final and that’s the way we’re taking it.”
All-Australian defender Nathan Bock is poised to return to the team after four weeks out with a groin injury but forward Chris Knights, who is recovering from a long-term foot injury, is likely to spend another week in the SANFL.
Jason Porplyzia was left out of the side to tackle the Cats and Doughty said there would be more hard-luck stories at the selection table this week.
“Everyone that played against Geelong last week deserves to be in the team again this week and with Bocky and Knights coming back into the mix it’s good for the club and puts pressure on for spots,” Doughty said.
“You’ve got to really earn your spot. We’re starting to run into some form and there are blokes playing well in the SANFL, so you understand that if you’re not performing you’re going to go back to the SANFL.
“It’s definitely the toughest selection of the year and what better week to come into a hard selection than a showdown week.”
Forward Brett Burton has been dealt another blow in his comeback from knee surgery, with the retiring veteran set to sit out of SANFL action this week with an ankle complaint.
