After seeing a comfortable 37-point lead whittled back to less than three straight kicks at the main break, Adelaide needed a second-half spark in Saturday night’s clash with Carlton at Adelaide Oval to ensure another four premiership points would be banked.

With captain Taylor Walker and vice-captain Rory Sloane both sidelined through injury, coach Don Pyke implored his senior leaders to take the bull by the horns.

They did just that, with the Crows booting six goals to one in the third quarter to seize control of the game.

Unheralded veteran Richard Douglas was a standout after half-time, with his exceptional third quarter stat line painting a clear picture of his influence.

The versatile Crow collected 13 disposals for 271 metres gained to go with four marks, two clearances, three inside 50s, three score assists and two vital goals in 29 minutes of scintillating football, enough to earn significant praise from Pyke post-game.

“I thought his work tonight was outstanding. I thought he really linked the game up well for us, he kicked a couple of vital goals in that third quarter,” Pyke said.

“After half-time, it was important our senior players and our leaders really stood up and took control of the game and I thought he really set the scene in the third quarter.”

Douglas finished the game with 28 touches, eight marks, seven clearances and two goals.

With just seven disposals next to his name at half-time, the 2010 Club Champion was determined to make a bigger impact in the second half. 

“At times throughout the game, it’s hard to get the ball as a small forward just with the way we move the footy,” he said.

“I just tried to reset at half-time and set myself up for a big third quarter to try and change the momentum of the game.”

There’s a reason the 31-year-old is a two-time winner of the Phil Walsh Best Team Man award, with his selfless approach to football evident across his 226 games at the Club.

Douglas put his hand up for a backline role during the pre-season for the betterment of the team but has been forced into the midfield and forward line in recent weeks to cover an extensive injury list.

While some players crave the continuity of playing in the same position each week, Douglas flourishes knowing he can play a role for his team regardless of where he’s standing on the football field. 

“Last week I played in every line, tonight it was mainly midfield and forward, so it just depends on the balance of the team really and where we have a few holes,” he said. 

“If a guy goes down, down back, I may need to play there for a bit but generally it’s midfield and forward.

“It keeps it interesting, obviously there are subtle differences in each line, but the way I go about my footy doesn’t change too much depending on where you play.”

Saturday night’s win pushes the Crows into a top-four position on the AFL ladder for the first time this year, however, the focus quickly shifts onto next weekend’s blockbuster Showdown with local rivals Port Adelaide.

“The boys will try to enjoy the win for what it is, but obviously got one eye on the Showdown already,” Douglas said.

“They’re great games, great build up throughout the state, the boys always get up for it and enjoy it. 

“Port are playing some good footy, probably have had a bit of an up-and-down year, but their best is very good, so we need to respect that and make sure we come ready to play.”