WHEN Neil Craig resigned as coach of Adelaide last month no one was more devastated than Nathan van Berlo, so it's rather ironic the captain has been one of the most improved players under caretaker coach Mark Bickley.

The biggest contributing factor to van Berlo's steep upturn in form has been a return to the midfield.

The first-year skipper was stationed at half-back for large parts of the season and sometimes struggled to have an impact, prompting questions not only about his leadership but his position in the team.

He was thrust back into the centre square in Bickley's first game in charge against Port Adelaide in round 19 and responded immediately, amassing 30 possessions and eight marks to be awarded the Showdown Medal for best a-field.

The 25-year-old has continued his rich vein of form as either an attacking or negating onballer over the past month, averaging 30 disposals and a goal.

He was on track to better his career-best return of 40 possessions against Carlton in round 18, 2008 in the Crows' clash with Richmond at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Van Berlo inspired his team in the first quarter, kicking 2.1 from 14 possessions.

He finished the game with a season-high 36 disposals, six tackles, four clearances and two goals to be Adelaide's best player in the 22-point loss.

Star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield said van Berlo's recent form was testament to his character.

"It's been a tough old year for 'VB'," Dangerfield said.

"When things aren't going well, people want answers and look for people to blame and everyone jumped on the skipper's back.

"His last four or five weeks have been outstanding, and it's a credit to him he's been able to finish off the season the way he has."

Adelaide led by 24 points early in the third quarter against Richmond on Sunday, but conceded 10 of the last 14 goals of the match to go down by 22 points.

A highlight of the Crows' play in the month prior had been their ability to respond when challenged, and ruckman Sam Jacobs said it was disappointing his team was unable to stop the flurry of Tiger goals in the second half.

"It just seemed like every time we needed a goal, they were able to get one," he said.

"The goal that stands out the most was the one at the start of the last quarter where they scored a goal in the first 20 seconds.

"It deflates you a bit."

The Crows will finish the season against finalists West Coast at Patersons Stadium next weekend.

Katrina Gill covers Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill