Forward Tom Lynch believes the Crows are a “different team” to the one that suffered the disappointing loss to Melbourne at Adelaide Oval last season.
The Demons had only recorded one win when they upset the Crows in Round Seven.
The Dees got the jump on the lacklustre home team, kicking seven goals-to-two in the first half to lead by 28 points at the main break. Through the efforts of Patrick Dangerfield, who collected three Brownlow votes, the Crows fought back but couldn’t overcome the deficit and lost by three points.
Lynch said the new-look Adelaide side wouldn’t use the loss as motivation, but that it was an example of what can happen if a side wasn’t switched on for a game.
“There are no easy games in the AFL these days. They’re all really tough as we found out last year. Melbourne came over ready to play and we weren’t ready to play. It’s that fine a line,” Lynch said.
“Every team in the AFL is well aware that if you’re not on, you can get beaten. We’re a different team to what we were last year.
“We’ll rest and recover now, prepare well … and be ready to go. I saw them (the Demons play) in Round One and thought they were a really good football team. They’ve improved.
“We’re really looking forward to getting back to Adelaide Oval and playing in front of our fans.”
The Crows recorded their second win of the season at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Like Round One, the victory was set-up on the back of strong defence and a multi-faceted attack.
Lynch was pleased with the results, but said the key was maintaining the strong form.
“We worked extremely hard over the pre-season and we’ve put that into practice. We’re developing a lot of trust and we’re certainly working for one another,” he said.
“We certainly believe we can get the job start and we’re off to a good start, but that’s all it is – a start. We’re looking to keep improving and we’ve got another tough challenge at home this week.”
Wingman Brodie Smith will need to prove he’s overcome a concussion to line up against the Dees.
Smith was at the Club on light duties on Monday and will be assessed throughout the week.
“Brodie’s travelling along fine. He’ll go through all the concussion protocols during the week and, hopefully, get himself up,” Lynch said.
Utility James Podsiadly has been cleared of structural damage to his back after receiving a knock in the SANFL on Saturday.
