Crows forward coach Ben Hart says Adelaide will explore playing three small forwards again after strong performances from Eddie Betts, Lachlan Murphy and Tyson Stengle.

The trio kicked 11 goals between them against the Suns on Saturday - Betts with six from 20 disposals, Stengle with three from 10 disposals and Murphy with two from 15 disposals. 

Speaking to the media on Monday, Hart said the coaching staff were pleased with what they saw from the three Crows.

“We had some better connection up forward, which was pleasing,” Hart said.

“They [Betts, Murphy, Stengle] will all have to be in form, but we saw things we liked [from all three] on the weekend.

“It’s a work in progress - that perfect mix in our forward line is one area we’ve been searching for.”

As they prepare to face eighth-placed Essendon on Friday night, Hart said winning at the contest was essential to his side’s success.

“I think our contested footy was strong on the weekend, which had fallen away in the last couple of weeks against Port and Geelong,” Hart said.

“We were able to move the ball with a bit more speed, especially if we got a turnover through the midfield we were able to go quicker at them.

“It’ll come back to how we train, but if we don’t bring a contest against a team pushing for the eight as well, we could be found wanting.”

STENGLE: 'I loved it out there'

With Reilly O’Brien maintaining his place in the ruck, veteran Sam Jacobs played his sixth-straight game for the SANFL Crows on Sunday.

Hart told reporters Jacobs simply needed to continue “knocking on the door” to earn a recall to the senior side.

“It’s an interesting dynamic as they’re really competing for just one spot, it’s not like a forward or a defender,” Hart said.

“He [Jacobs] knows he just needs to get himself in form and stay in form, that’s what he can control.

“He’s been pretty good for a couple of weeks, but he just needs to keep knocking and I’m sure there will be a spot for him.”

Adelaide will face Essendon on Friday night at Adelaide Oval from 7.20pm.