Adelaide’s rousing comeback win against West Coast has ''set the standard'' the Crows expect of themselves for the rest of the season, defender Rory Laird says.
The Crows returned to training on Friday after being given time off following their superb performance in Perth last Saturday night when they kicked the last eight goals of the game to snatch victory.
With an impressive 8-4 record heading into their bye, the seventh-placed Crows are well positioned to make a charge towards finals in the second half of the season.
Laird said the Crows believe their best football can match it with any team in the competition, based on how they stormed to victory against the Eagles.
"We have high expectations on ourselves in terms of what we can produce on game day,'' Laird said on Friday.
''It showed on the weekend in Perth against West Coast that we can play good footy against a quality opponent.
''That's the standard we've set and we've got to keep producing that each week.''
The Crows face another tough test after their bye when they host North Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval next Thursday night.
The Kangaroos are one of just three top-eight teams the Crows face in the their final 10 games of the season – the others are Geelong in Round 18 and West Coast in Round 23.
"There's a lot of quality opponents we've got to play against and we've got to keep winning,'' Laird said.
"We're sitting in seventh and it sets us up pretty well. It’s a very even playing field… at the moment.
“As long as we play the way we’re going, I think the wins will come hopefully.”
"Hopefully we can keep the momentum rolling.''
For the most part, Adelaide has managed to avoid any major injury scares to key players so far in Season 2016, which has helped contribute to the Club’s on-field success. The Crows have used the least number of players (27) than any other team in the AFL as testament to the health of the list.
After a four-day break away from the Club, almost every player participated in Adelaide’s return to full training at Football Park on Friday morning.
“We had nearly everyone out there, it was good to see,” Laird said.
“I think it’s a really good thing for the Club.
“A healthy list (creates) good competition for spots. I think it’s a very good thing for us and it puts us in a good position where players step in. It’s shown this year with how many players have rolled through and come in and play well.
“In the SANFL, they had a standout win and a lot of good players and an even contribution.
“It’s good for us to be in a healthy position.”
