Rory Laird has praised Adelaide’s increased consistency during the 15-point win over Geelong in a spirited performance at home.

The half-back recorded a career-best 43 disposals against the Cats, another stellar performance by the All Australian who said Adelaide’s resilience was crucial.

“Obviously we got challenged a few times by a quality opposition and for us to stick to our guns and have a really strong defensive game and build our offence off of that, credit to the boys in a much-needed win for us,” Laird said.

“We did it for a small patch last week against Richmond, probably the first quarter-and-a-half, and then dropped away a fair bit.

“For us to do it for four quarters tonight shows we can match it with some really quality opposition.”

Key contributors came across the park with inclusions Rory Atkins and Lachlan Murphy adding energy while Tom Lynch led from the front with four goals.

Rory Sloane was at his best, capping off a great few days for the vice-captain, and Laird says every member of the 22 contributed to the win.

“I think they all played their role, especially as leaders. Sloaney was unreal, Tommy Lynch kicked four,” he said.

“You got Josh Jenkins firing down there, Eddie Betts adds that extra bit of class. Even some of the young boys you go to the opposite side of the spectrum.

“You’ve got Tommy Doedee who consistently plays well, Lachie Murphy played really well so everyone brings their weapon and plays their role and that’s when we win.”

The win, which Laird says is up there with early-season victories over Sydney and Richmond, leaves the Crows still one win (and some percentage) out of the top eight with the rest of Round 17 still to play.

With six games left in the home and away season, he is not looking too far ahead at potential results.

“I know it’s a cliché but it is one week at a time for us,” Laird said.

“We need to win the majority of the games left in the season so we’ll concentrate on doing that and as I said quality opposition tonight is a big win for us.”