ADELAIDE'S newly re-signed midfielder Richard Douglas says speed and the side's ability to spread from stoppages will be the key in deciding Saturday's match against Fremantle.

Douglas praised the strength of Fremantle's defence, but said that on an oval the size of Patersons Stadium the Crows could run their way through it.

"[Run and spread is] going to be key to breaking down their zone and their squeeze, so we're going to try and look to out-work them and if we can do that it's going to go a long way to winning us the four points," Douglas said.

The midfielder said it would be foolish to write Fremantle off as a defensive one-trick pony, claiming it was easily capable of hurting side's offensively.

"There's no doubt they're definitely a very good defensive team [but] we've seen at times against Geelong and also St Kilda that they can play some really attacking football," he said.

Douglas became the third Crow to re-sign with the club this week when he penned a three-year contract extension, after Patrick Dangerfield and Matthew Jaensch also signed deals.

Having overcome a hamstring injury sustained in round two, Douglas said he was confident he could return to the form that saw him crowned Adelaide's 2010 club champion.

"It's the best I've felt for a while now, so I'm just looking to get a bit of continuity going with my football and string a few games together and hopefully the form picks up there," he said.

"I'm working hard on the track and hopefully it will come."

Douglas said the major lesson learned from last weekend's 26-point loss to Collingwood was that the Crows needed to clean up their ball handling.

Despite the slippery conditions for much of the game, Douglas admitted the Magpies rose to another level in the final term and left his side in their wake.

"We were just really fumbly and they were a lot cleaner than us when it counted in that last quarter," he said.

"I think this week we need to improve on that around the ball, be cleaner and [have] a bit more composure going forward."

One who will be key to Adelaide's attacking drives on Saturday is returning forward Taylor Walker.

Walker had been in outstanding form before he was suspended for two matches for a sling tackle against Geelong, booting 23 goals for the season.

But Douglas joked his inclusion in the side was a double-edged sword.

"It's huge, not just for his ability on the ground but for what he brings around the boys and locker room it's going to be good to have him on a long trip," he said.

"At the same time it's going to be pretty annoying; I'm glad I'm not sitting next to him on the plane."

Harry Thring covers Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry