CONFIDENT in Adelaide's ability to boot winning scores, David Mackay says the Crows will only play finals if they're able to replicate their defensive effort from last Thursday's win over Collingwood.
The Crows laid 92 tackles in what coach Brenton Sanderson labelled the club's best defensive game since he was appointed coach in late 2011.
Josh Jenkins kicked four goals against the Magpies and Taylor Walker was impressive upon his return to elite football.
Walker gathered 17 possessions, took seven marks and kicked 0.4 for the night, suggesting he was capable of returning to his pre-knee reconstruction form.
Combined with the likes of James Podsiadly, Eddie Betts, Charlie Cameron and a plethora of goal-kicking midfielders, Walker's return has bolstered an Adelaide attack that is among the league's most versatile.
But Mackay said it was it was what happened at the other end of the ground that would dictate how far the Crows ventured in 2014.
"We haven't had too many issues scoring; it's just been when we've lost the momentum in games the opposition have scored pretty easily," Mackay said.
"That's been the area that's really let us down all year.
"We're under no illusions, we've got plenty of work to do…we're not happy with where we sit.
"We certainly think when we play our best footy we can match anyone. I guess the trick for us is to have that consistency."
