Adelaide forward Taylor Walker says the Crows’ inability to adapt to the conditions in Darwin cost them in Saturday night’s 25-point loss to Gold Coast.
Despite leading early in the second quarter, Adelaide fell to the Suns, 16.16 (112) to 13.9 (87) at TIO Stadium.
Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Breakfast, Walker said the Crows were unable to stop the Suns’ momentum during key periods of the match.
“I just think they played the conditions a lot better than what we did,” Walker said on Tuesday.
“With the slippery ball, they just got it forward and created a contest while we just mucked around with it a little bit.
“You need to stop it (the opposition’s momentum) after a couple, so we’ll review that and really learn from it.”
While the result was disappointing, Walker said the Crows were grateful for the strong support they had in the Top End.
“I enjoyed going up there (to Darwin),” Walker said.
“You just see the local Darwin people, they just absolutely thrive on it (being at the footy) and I loved being up there and amongst it.”
Adelaide takes on West Coast at Adelaide Oval this Saturday afternoon, in what will be Walker’s 250th AFL game.
He said a fast start would be vital, as the Crows hoped to celebrate the milestone with a win over the Eagles.
“It would be nice to get a good win for the 250th,” Walker said.
“We need to start really well, when we’ve started well it sets us up and then we need to sustain that level from there.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there on Saturday afternoon.”
The match will also be a chance for the Club and fans to honour the state’s emergency services personnel, as part of a new partnership with the State Government.
Adelaide plays West Coast this Saturday at Adelaide Oval, with the first bounce at 4.05pm.
Tickets available here.