IMPORTANT defender Rory Laird believes Adelaide has the skill and the confidence to shake Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.
The Crows were outstanding on Saturday night in delivering the Sydney Swans their first loss for the season, winning by 10 points in what was a tight, contested match.
Laird continued his outstanding personal form in defence, collecting another 27 disposals which included a team-high five rebound 50s.
The 22-year-old is now one of the League's best running defenders, consistently finding possessions and then delivering the ball with great precision.
He told AFL.com.au his side is confident of reversing last year's semi-final result and beating the Hawks at the MCG.
"I'd personally never beaten Sydney – they'd always smashed us by 10 goals … [but] we've put in the work over the summer, we know that our gameplay stands up against one of the top sides now, it's just a matter of effort and attitude each week," Laird said.
"We've got six days to play the reigning premiers … playing Sydney like that, I think we can really take it up to them.
"You know they're going to bring a four-quarter performance of class and effort each week, so we've got to really match them.
"Quick turnaround, but yeah I think we can build a lot of confidence off this and really take it to [the Hawks]."
Laird was also adamant the Crows were far from their best.
He said there were times during Saturday night's win when they could have made it easier for themselves by taking their chances.
The Crows led by 17 points late in the third term before the Swans kicked three goals after the 28-minute mark of the quarter to enter the final break with the lead.
"In saying that it's a really good win and we get a lot of confidence out of it, I still think we can get a lot better, there's still always room for improvement," Laird said.
"I know everyone always says that, but there were times when we could have put the game away when we had a run on but let them back in.
"I think I'm finding the ball pretty well, trying to give us a bit of drive out of there - I work pretty closely with [Luke] 'Browny' and Brodie Smith we work together to really get that drive out of our back half."
Although facing a short break before next Friday night's blockbuster, the Crows look set to have an almost entirely healthy squad to choose from.
Sam Jacobs limped off Adelaide Oval during the third quarter against the Swans, but the ruckman only picked up a knock to the knee and isn't in any doubt.
Livewire forward Charlie Cameron could push for senior selection having built considerable SANFL form as he nears full fitness.
