All Australian midfielder Matt Crouch has vowed to lead from the front and get Adelaide's stuttering season back on track.
The Crows (6-7) desperately need to snap their four-game losing streak when they host West Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Crouch was a driving force for the Crows reaching the Grand Final last year, averaging 33 disposals per game, earning All Australian honours for the first time and claiming the Malcolm Blight Medal as the club's best and fairest.
A hamstring injury sustained in the Round Two win over premiers Richmond forced Crouch to miss three games before he was also sidelined in round nine with hamstring tightness.
His numbers – 29.8 disposals, 5.8 clearances and 4.8 tackles per game – have still been solid in an injury-depleted side without reaching last year's lofty heights.
"I probably haven't played the footy I would've liked so far this year," Crouch told AFL.com.au.
"I had the hamstring injury, but I feel since I've been back, I've been ok without being absolutely great.
"I'm working hard on the training track and doing things behind closed doors and I'm confident I can get back to my best form.
"As a team, we want to get back to playing our best footy and hopefully I can help us do that."
The 23-year-old – who in January signed a three-year contract extension until the end of 2021 – was elevated to the Crows' four-man leadership group this year alongside skipper Taylor Walker, vice-captain Rory Sloane and forward Tom Lynch.
All four players have been sidelined at various times this season through injury, the quartet missing a total of 22 of a possible 52 games.
That's put more emphasis on Crouch taking a senior role, one he has earned through his work ethic and respect from the playing group.
"It's been a new challenge for me and I've really enjoyed being in that leadership group," Crouch said.
"It's been a challenging year at times so far, part of the development of a player is becoming a better leader and helping the team out.
"I've enjoyed it and hopefully I can continue to lead on game day."
The Crows have a tough run ahead if they want to stay in touch with the top eight.
After hosting the Eagles, they return to the MCG to face the Tigers next Friday night before taking on Geelong in a Thursday night encounter at Adelaide Oval in Round 17.
"The next three weeks are going to be big for the season and how it sets it up," Crouch said.
"They're three very strong teams, so it's a really good challenge for us.
"We haven't been playing the footy we'd like, but we feel like our best footy is still good enough."
