Adelaide defender Tom Doedee is confident his side can return to form ahead of its clash with West Coast at Adelaide Oval this Saturday.

Speaking to AFC Media, Doedee, who has averaged 17.7 disposals across 11 games so far this season, said the Crows’ best footy could beat any side on any given day.

But the backman said there was still plenty of work to be done to get back to the style that helped the side beat Port Adelaide, Richmond and last year’s Grand Finalists, Western Bulldogs.

“We sort of started the way we thought we would with some competitive games and some big wins,” Doedee said.

“We continued that mindset, going into every game with the thought that we can beat any team and that our best is as good as anyone’s.

“But unfortunately we just haven’t delivered for four quarters.

“I feel like for us, it’s just the ability to continue to train what we need to and get to a point where our four-quarter performances aren’t a question.

“Overall I’ve seen a drastic improvement from where we were last year as much as the results don’t show it.”

Doedee’s comments come as Adelaide’s men’s players prepare to don purple armbands this weekend to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention with Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.

The armbands are part of the Crows’ support for Breakthrough’s Nine Lives Project across their Round 12 clash against West Coast.

The Nine Lives Project is named in recognition of the nine people who die from suicide every day in Australia.

In 2020, suicide was the most common cause of death for adults aged 15-44, with men three times more likely to die by suicide than females.

Fans will have the opportunity to show their support and purchase a virtual seat to the game for a friend who is no longer with us, with all money raised going directly towards the Nine Lives Project.

Players from both teams will be kicking goals to make a difference, with Foodland and Medibank donating $1000 per goal kicked by either Adelaide or West Coast to the Nine Lives Project.

Special Breakthrough beanies will also be available to purchase at the gates pre-game.

Breakthrough CEO John Mannion spoke to the playing group at training today about mental health and the importance of the round.

“We had a briefing to the whole team to talk about what we do and why working with the Club and this round in particular is so important,” Mannion said.

“We talked about their own mental health and wellbeing as well as how we can look out for our teammates and have the conversation with others when you notice someone is struggling.

“Sport is a perfect tool for driving the mental health conversation because it promotes a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging and we do something together for a greater good.”

“The funds that we generate from this campaign will be invested into the research we are supporting for a youth suicide program, evaluating the positive outcomes for the young people and their parents.

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed.”

Doedee said hearing from Mannion gave the team a greater understanding of why this round was so important.

“When you hear about the number of young people, especially young men, affected by suicide, it really hits home” Doedee said.

“John spoke with a lot of passion, particularly about the importance of looking after each other, and his talk resonated with the whole playing group.

“We are lucky to have the platform we have to talk about important things and hopefully fans seeing us wearing purple armbands and wondering why will spark conversations and raise awareness.”

Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation is Australia's only charity 100% dedicated to mental health research.

For more information about The Nine Lives Project, please visit the website here.