Adelaide won't be lured into the trap of focusing all its attention on Sydney Swans superstar Lance Franklin in Saturday night's Semi-Final at the SCG.
An extended 26-man Crows squad, which included rookie ruckman Reilly O'Brien in addition to the three travelling emergencies, departed Adelaide Airport on Friday morning.
The Crows will hold a training session at the SCG on Friday afternoon to get used to the unique dimensions of the ground.
Greater Western Sydney held Franklin goalless in last weekend's Qualifying Final as he worked higher up the ground, but the former Hawthorn champion still poses the greatest threat going forward.
Crows defensive coach James Podsiadly said it would be foolish to forget about the Swans' other attacking options.
"He's one of the premier players in the competition, so we definitely respect his talent and ability to change a game," Podsiadly said.
"We've done a fair bit of work into him, but we've also done a fair bit of work on their other forwards.
"A side coming off a loss with a proud history like Sydney, they're going to come out really hard and they're a contested side anyway.
"We're expecting the first 10-15 minutes of the game will be pretty hot and we've just got to match them in that area."
Stats that matter: Semi-Final v Sydney Swans
O'Brien, who has played two senior games this season, travelled with the team as an insurance policy as backup for Adelaide’s ruck pair of Sam Jacobs and Josh Jenkins.
The other travelling emergencies are defender Andy Otten – who hasn't played an AFL game for two years – midfielder Riley Knight and Collingwood recruit Paul Seedsman.
The quartet will return to Adelaide in time to play in the club's SANFL Preliminary Final on Sunday.
The Crows changed the dimensions of Football Park during their main training session on Wednesday to resemble the SCG, which has wide flanks and is short down the middle.
"Our game style and our structures won't change, but the fact there's a bit more space out on the wings and out on the half-forward flanks probably allows you to move the ball out more a bit more," Podsiadly said.
"The best thing about our group at the moment is we've had a lot of continuity and those forwards are pretty good at working together.
"Whether it's Subiaco, the SCG or Adelaide Oval, those guys don't normally get in each other's way."
The Crows are the leading attacking side in the competition, while the Swans possess one of the best backlines in the League.
But it's in tight where Podsiadly believes where the game will be won and lost.
"The contested situation (will be the key)," he said.
"A lot gets talked about Sydney's defence, but their offence is just as good as their defence.
"Their contested ball stuff is fantastic and they're an all-round brilliant side."
