ADELAIDE won't be taking its run to the finals for granted, with forward Tom Lynch declaring the Crows will be treating every week as a must-win situation.
With a top-two spot up for grabs the Crows have one of the easier paths into September, starting with Sunday’s clash against wooden spoon favourites Essendon at the Adelaide Oval.
That's followed by games with the Brisbane Lions (17th), Fremantle (16th), cross-town rivals Port Adelaide (10th) and West Coast (5th).
Having dropped from second to sixth on the ladder last weekend following their loss to Geelong, Lynch said the Crows cannot rest on their laurels.
Match preview: Adelaide v Essendon
"We've got to win every game to give ourselves the best chance of finishing as high as possible,'' Lynch said on Tuesday.
"Essendon has played some really exciting footy this year and has been in a lot of contests.
''Having played in the AFL for a while now, if you're off at all, anyone can beat you on the day.
''We're really eager to rectify what we dished out last week, but also getting back to the way we play.''
The Crows won eight games in a row before their 30-point loss to the Cats.
Skipper Taylor Walker sat out training on Tuesday, but scans on the forward's injured ankle revealed no significant damage.
He remains a chance to face the Dons on Sunday.
“Tex will go through normal recovery protocols and a decision on whether he plays on Sunday will be made later in the week,” said the Crows' high performance manager Brett Burton.
Lynch said Walker's importance to the club should not be underestimated.
"He's huge for us, he's our leader. He really straightens us up, he's a fierce competitor and he's a really consistent player,'' Lynch said.
''I'd be surprised if there was too many players playing through some sort of niggle and Taylor's no different.
''He's going to give himself the best chance to get up.''
It was better news for key defender Daniel Talia, who looks right to overcome a hip complaint.