Interim Adelaide Coach Scott Camporeale says his team won’t be intimidated if the Hawks deliver on their ‘unsociable’ tag at the MCG on Friday night.
The back-to-back reigning premiers have been challenged to respond this week after an uncharacteristic 32-point loss to West Coast in the Qualifying Final.
Hawthorn tried to ruffle the Crows’ feathers when the two teams met in Round 12 this season.
Defenders Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton were both charged and fined for striking after felling Adelaide pair Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron in off-the ball incidents in the first quarter.
Crows captain Taylor Walker was substituted out of the game in the second half following a contest in which he was kneed in the hip by Hawks veteran Sam Mitchell. The contact was deemed accidental by the Match Review Panel.
Camporeale said he expected two physical sides to take to the field in the Semi Final.
“It happens every week. It’s just (highlighted) because we hear about Hawthorn and the way they play,” Camporeale said.
“They’re a tough footy team, a contested footy team and they’ve got the runs on the board. Knowing our group, we won’t be backing down from anything Hawthorn throws at us.
“It’s a final and it’s cut throat, so we expect it (to be physical). Hopefully, we can dish a bit back.”
The Crows return to Melbourne for the second time in a week.
Camporeale said Adelaide’s thrilling Elimination Final win over the Western Bulldogs provided a huge confidence boost going into Friday night’s clash at the MCG.
“It was a big win, mentally,” he said.
“We only played their once during the year against Carlton, which wasn’t a great game by any means but we managed to get the win.
“Confidence is a wonderful thing at this time of year. I know they (the players) are feeling good and I know they’re positive about the way we play. They’ve got great belief.
“They’re recovered well … they’re excited to get over to Melbourne and see what we can do.”
Adelaide trained in front of loyal fans at AAMI Stadium on Thursday morning before flying out.
Thousands of Crows supporters are expected to make the journey to Melbourne again this week.
“Our supporters have been outstanding all year,” Camporeale said.
“With what we’ve been through … not only recently but over the last couple of years, they’ve stuck fat with us and really supported the playing group.
“They’ve understood what’s going on behind the scenes and are well informed by ‘Fages’ (CEO Andrew Fagan) and (the administration staff) upstairs. They want to see us succeed. It’s an emotional game. This Club wants success and needs success.
“They’re enjoying the ride.”
Camporeale said the team was driven to add another chapter in its fairy tale finish to the season.
“Whatever happens, I’m proud of them but I know that they’ve got some unfinished business and they want to keep moving on towards the goal they set out with at the start of the year.”
