Time for action: Craig
Adelaide coach Neil Craig says his players have had enough talk and analysis over the past month, and now they want some action, starting with Sunday's showdown
"No question it's a challenge for us," Craig said. "Our form the last month is clearly not what we've wanted it to be, so it's now time for a bit of action. Let's get going."
Asked in what area Port might be more vulnerable, Craig said: "No, I don't particularly want to go down that path. We'll just worry about ourselves. I think it's about time we just started to worry about what we're doing. Let's see a bit of action, a bit less talk and get on with it.
"We expect Port Adelaide to bring that sort of grand-final mentality. The pressure we create for ourselves - and it's pressure we need to create for ourselves - is we've got to start getting into some playing form.
"That's not going to happen by talking about it. There's been enough analysis. Let's go, let's see it."
How important was winning momentum going into the finals?
"Very," Craig said. "That's why Sunday's game is crucial. Winning form is good form. We're playing to win - that'll be our guide."
Was it hard to know what to expect from Port, given its long injury list had left it with a young, new-look line-up?
"No, not at all," Craig said. "They've been pretty good - Western Bulldogs in Darwin, last week against Collingwood here, some really good form. So I don't think it's intriguing at all. They've got some enthusiasm, they've got some speed, so it'll be a good game.
"Their midfield, the way it has developed, is exceptional. Our midfielders are looking at it as a great challenge. We'll have to be at our best to make sure we get our share.
"It shapes up to be a really good (ruck) contest - Clarke/Biglands v Lade/Brogan. And it will have a big effect on what happens around the stoppages."
Craig said the Crows' ball movement had 'fallen away' and needed to 'improve significantly'.
"We have to get back to some of the footy we've been able to play in the past," he said. "Some quick movement, some quick reaction, some cleanness, less turnovers - just a bit more energy is what we're looking for.
"We need to get back to the speed and execution we know can play and that's what we'll be trying to deliver on Sunday.
"We're starting to settle down the back line a bit more. We've had some people in and out of there for a period of time, so we're just trying to settle our side down."
Asked how the Crows could best counter the way teams were running at them, Craig said: "More alertness, more control about what we do, counter attack against them as well. But I would say alertness and better control about the way we go about our defensive action."