Adelaide’s 47-point defeat to Richmond leaves the Crows dangling on the edge of a cliff when it comes to staying in the finals race for 2018. 

A 7-8 win-loss record means last year’s Grand Finalists now sit two games plus percentage outside the top eight. 

With just seven games remaining in the season, the equation is straightforward for the Crows -  they need to win most, if not all, of those matches to keep their fading September hope alive.

The uphill battle begins at Adelaide Oval next Thursday night with a massive game against Geelong, who are coming off a win over the Swans in Sydney.

“It’s very simple for us. We’ve just got to keep winning games,” forward Tom Lynch told AFC Media in the rooms post-game. 

“We’ve obviously got a really good opposition in Geelong next week but we’re back in front of our home fans and really looking forward to the opportunity.

“Guys are really disappointed now. It’s a hard one, sometimes it’s good to have a six-day break, you get to lick your wounds and get back out there.”

“We’ll have to train pretty hard to rectify a few things we want to change in what we dish up next Thursday night.”

Adelaide could welcome back some experienced heads against the Cats, including star forward Eddie Betts, but positively a number of young stars have stood tall in recent weeks.

21-year-old Tom Doedee was arguably the Crows’ best player against Richmond, finishing with 28 disposals, eight marks and 12 contested possessions while 20-year-old Wayne Milera Junior had 20 touches and five inside 50s in a rebounding role across half back.

“He’s been fantastic this year, Tommy. He’s really proved his footy and become a really important player for us, as has probably Wayne Milera Junior,” Lynch said. 

“His bounce off half-back as well has been a real positive for us.

“We’ve got some young guys that are improving their footy and playing some consistent games which is great for the footy club.” 

Lynch made his return to the Crows side against the Tigers on Friday night, playing his first game since Round 11 after being absent with a side strain and then a concussion.

The key link-man has been seen in the tri-colours just nine times this season but was solid in his first game back with 19 disposals and eight marks, and Lynch will look to build on that on Thursday night.

“It was good to be back out there with my teammates,” Lynch said. 

“(It’s been a) really frustrating year thus far for me and the boys, but glad to be back out there now and hopefully we can build something in the second half of the year and we can win a few more games.”