ADELAIDE coach Scott Camporeale has brushed off doubts from board member Mark Ricciuto on the Crows' ability to back up after last Sunday's epic Showdown win.
Speaking on Triple M, Ricciuto said he believed the emotionally-charged weeks since the death of coach Phil Walsh – culminating with Showdown XXXIX – had drained the playing group and that he'd be "surprised if the Crows can bounce up against the Gold Coast".
After being comprehensively beaten by West Coast the week after Walsh's death, Adelaide rallied in tremendous fashion to defeat the Power by three points in the closet-ever Showdown.
Camporeale didn't have much to say about Ricciuto's opinion, but backed his players to put in another strong performance against the Suns on Saturday afternoon.
Match preview: Suns v Crows
"Thanks 'Roo'," Camporeale said.
"We've had some emotional weeks, but we're back to normal now. We’ve got a game to win that's going to be important for us to hopefully earn the right to play finals.
"Training was outstanding again today, the players are in a really good headspace, physically they're well prepared and they're ready to go.
"I'd be disappointed if they don't come with the same attitude that they did against Port."
Rory Sloane will likely aid Adelaide's cause, after successfully completing Thursday's main training session.
He's set to return after breaking his cheekbone against the Brisbane Lions in round 13 and, if he plays, will wear a helmet to hopefully offer his cheek some extra protection.
The 25-year-old's wet weather specialist will be a more than useful inclusion if forecast showers arrive in Adelaide on Saturday.
"Rory has been able to run for the last four weeks so physically he's in A1 [condition] and probably covering the ground as well as anyone," Camporeale said.
"But he just had to get through a main session and get some confidence, get battered around again.
"We definitely love having him in there, he's a great leader of this footy club, he brings something different, never gives up, he's a great role model … he'll be important no doubt in these conditions if it is wet."
