Adelaide assistant coach Nathan van Berlo says the Crows’ ability to thwart off every challenge Brisbane threw at them is the most pleasing aspect of the Round 11 win.
The Crows bounced back from a disappointing loss the week before to beat Brisbane by 17 points at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Speaking to the media on Monday, van Berlo said momentum swings were always going to happen but the Crows were never rattled, and managed to turn the game back in their favour.
“I’m really pleased that when we were challenged, we held strong and we were able to go back at them,” van Berlo said.
“They had their chances and when you get pinned in your back half that gets really challenging, teams are able to set up their defensive system and it becomes a big ask to get out of that.
“We were challenged for long periods of time, with our backs against the wall, but we managed to find a way to fight our way to get it back in our front half.
“It’s massive for young guys to learn how to hang tough in those types of moments.”
Van Berlo said players were determined to return to form following the loss to the Bulldogs and showed they could match it with one of the top teams in the competition.
“We set our task earlier in the week to make sure our mindset was in the right space, coming up against a real quality side,” van Berlo said.
“We sensed it in the group as coaches all week - the way they trained, the way they reviewed the game - they were really keen to atone for the week prior.
“It was a good response and we just have to do it again this week.
“We are nowhere near a finished product, but what we do get out of (the win) is that we can compete and take it to a Premiership contender this year.”
The Crows travel to Darwin this weekend to take on Gold Coast, in what will be forward Izak Rankine’s first game against his former club.
Rankine will enter the clash against the Suns in strong form, having kicked two goals, including a left-footed snap from near a boundary line, and recording 13 score involvements in the Crows' win over the Lions.
Van Berlo said Rankine, in his first season with the Crows, was a crucial part of Adelaide’s side and expected him to handle the game against his former club well.
"It was a pretty special effort from Izak, the way he went about it and the way that he impacted the game," van Berlo said.
"We really value what he gives us ahead of the ball - give him half a sniff and he can impact the game.
"So coming up with 13 score involvements and to have the impact that he did was huge for us.
"I also love the unselfish aspect of his game where he gave off a number of shots as well, his chases, tackles, pressure ... already he's a critical member of our group."
