Lions loss a blessing: Petrenko
Jared Petrenko says the loss in round 21 may prove the catalyst for a premiership tilt
ADELAIDE'S shock 10-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in round 21 could cost the club the minor premiership, but Jared Petrenko says it may have been the catalyst for something more valuable.
If either Hawthorn or the Sydney Swans win this weekend, the Crows will miss out on finishing on top of the ladder, but 22-year-old Petrenko said the loss to the Lions was the perfect wakeup call at the tail end of a draw widely viewed as soft.
Adelaide hasn't played a top-four side in the second half of the season and its run home against Essendon, Fremantle and Gold Coast at home, as well as matches against the Lions and Melbourne almost guaranteed it a double chance.
But the loss in round 21 poured a bucket of cold water over the Crows who, after Sunday's thumping of Melbourne, look set to hit September in top form.
"I'd say it was a wake up call at the right time - it's better to have a game like that than in week one of the finals. Then you might start to get a bit nervous," Petrenko said.
"From there we just know that we've got to play four quarters of footy every week and no matter who we're playing.
"Hopefully it can just be a positive for us now."
There's no doubt the loss, and Adelaide's favourable draw, added to questions already being asked about its status as a top-two side and a premiership contender.
Mick Malthouse recently said on radio that he didn't think the Crows were deserving of their ladder position.
But Petrenko said doubters could doubt all they wanted and that the Crows side knew what it could achieve.
"I don't say anything to them (critics), I think we'll let our actions do the talking," he said.
"We have our own sense of belief this year and we're just going to continue playing the way we've been playing and hopefully that can prove people wrong."
While the failure in Brisbane served as a harsh reminder that only the club's best would be good enough, Petrenko said Adelaide's limited injury list also kept players on their toes.
The side got through Sunday's game with a clean bill of health and the players on the sidelines - Ricky Henderson, Andy Otten and Rory Sloane - are all chances to return this week.
Although Sunday's breezy 69-point win might have suggested players were safe, Petrenko said they knew that wasn't the case.
"We've got blokes coming back from injury in Andy Otten, Ricky Henderson and Brodie Martin as well, and at this time of year you can't afford to flirt with your form.
"We're always going to try and get the best side out on the park, so it's really important for everyone to have a good game this week and put their hand up."
Harry Thring covers Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.