ADELAIDE'S newfound aggression and attack-at-all-costs mentality almost led to one of the upsets of the season against Geelong at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Crows' brave performance featured free-flowing ball movement that created unease in the normally cool Cats for most of the contest, but Geelong still had enough class to hold on for an 11-point victory.

After the match, caretaker coach Mark Bickley said it was an important lesson for the young Crows to know what it takes to match it with one of the League's best outfits.

"It wasn't us playing safe or trying to restrict them, we were trying to score and be really positive in the way we played," he said.

"At times there was [a] finals-like intensity out there.

"For us to be able to be really competitive and play a style of footy that was attacking ... I think it gives the players a lot of belief that the direction we are heading in is a good direction."

The Crows showed plenty of flair with dashing forays through the corridor and rapid transition from defence into attack. Adelaide finished with 47 more handball-receives and registered 36 more uncontested possessions than Geelong, illustrating the Crows' willingness to run and spread.
 
Jared Petrenko revealed the next challenge for Adelaide would be to maintain the zeal for an entire match.

"We're trying to play a bit more of an attacking game style and keep the ball moving and not let their [the opposition's] defence settle," the 21-year-old said.

"We had some good passages tonight, but we've just got to keep tidying it up.

"We've just got to sustain it until the last minute and try to seal the deal next time."

Petrenko said Adelaide's defensive aspect needed the most attention, with two final-quarter Geelong goals to an unmanned Shannon Byrnes ultimately costing the Crows.

"I think it's probably our defensive area that let the game slip," he said.

"Geelong flick it around [so] you've just got to keep at them and at them. It's hard work and they make you work for it.

"The message will still stay the same, we've just to execute it better."

Another positive to emerge from the clash for Adelaide was the performance of Chris Knights, who finished with a career-high 24 handpasses from 33 disposals in an impressive display from the 24-year-old.

With 31 possessions against the Power a fortnight ago in his return from a calf injury, Knights looks to be recapturing his form from 2009, which saw him boot 43 goals and average just under 20 touches a match.

"It's great to see when 'Knighta' is up and running," Petrenko said.

"He adds to our midfield and he's exciting. It's good to see him back in form and back in the team and hopefully he can keep it up."

Adelaide should be further buoyed for their next assignment against the Suns by the return of key forward Kurt Tippett and full-back Ben Rutten, who was a late withdrawal on Sunday with illness. 2010 club champion Richard Douglas will also push for selection after a strong performance in the SANFL.
 
Max covers news from AAMI Stadium for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_MaxPhillips