Midfielder Scott Thompson believes the Crows failed to seize their opportunity to upset reigning premiers Hawthorn on Thursday evening.
After trailing the Hawks for the majority of the first half, Adelaide breathed life into the contest with five consecutive goals either side of the main break.
The Crows fought back from a 27-point deficit midway in the second term to eventually claim the lead on two occasions late in the third quarter.
But the battle-hardened Hawks responded in typical style, booting six of the next seven majors to hand Adelaide its fifth loss of the season and leave the Crows clinging to the top eight.
Thompson said his side blew its chance to claim arguably the competition’s biggest scalp.
“It’s bitterly disappointing,” Thompson said on Friday.
“I definitely think, looking back on the game now, we had our opportunity to win the game in that third quarter when we hit the lead.
“To let it slide the way we did is disappointing. They got on top in a number of areas late around the stoppages (and) in the centre bounces a number of times where they went forward and kicked easy goals.
“That’s frustrating. We’ll sit down and look at that and hopefully tidy it up going forward.”
Skill execution and decision-making proved the difference between the two sides. Hawthorn lifted when it mattered most to deny the home side an upset victory.
Adelaide succumbed to ladder leaders Fremantle in similar fashion back in Round Nine. The Crows led by over two goals in the third term against the Dockers before eventually falling by 11 points.
“I think it shows…when we get it together we can match it with the best of them,” Thompson said.
“But it also shows that we are not doing that consistently over four quarters.
“As a team at the moment that’s the frustrating thing. We can see that glimpses of our best footy is good enough.”
Hawthorn ultimately had too much class for the Crows in front of over 50,000 fans at Adelaide Oval. After a tough start to the year, the Hawks have now won their past three games and currently sit fifth on the AFL Ladder.
“They’re starting to get their game up and going,” Thompson said.
“Sitting back from afar when I watch them play, I still think their ball movement is the best in the competition. When they are up and going at their best it’s very hard to stop.”
The Club will monitor the progress of Taylor Walker after the captain copped a corked thigh in a collision with Sam Mitchell on Thursday night. The forward was substituted out of the match during the third quarter with his movement clearly restricted following the clash.
“He’ll be sore, there’s no doubt about that,” Thompson said.
“When you do get a decent corky it doesn’t feel nice. He’ll be monitored during the week and hopefully he comes up right for next week.”
Adelaide’s next challenge is against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday week.
