Rory Sloane says Adelaide maintained belief in its ability to finish strongly in Perth on Saturday night.

West Coast’s lead stretched to 26 points midway through the third term but the Crows sensed their opportunity when they were able to head to the three-quarter-time huddle only two goals in arrears.

A lift around the stoppages had helped build some forward momentum, even if scoring 3.5 in the third quarter did not give Adelaide full reward.

“We had a heap of it in the third quarter and we couldn’t quite convert,” Sloane said post-match after leading the way with a team-high 29 possessions and game-high nine clearances.

“West Coast are such a good team, we knew we had to keep going as we were if we were a chance to win.

“If we were able to keep going like that, playing the game in our half, we knew the goals would come. And we finally kicked away and got a few.”

Adelaide’s surge to the lead started with three consecutive goals in the final term. Despite an avalanche of inside 50s the game still had to be won and after three consecutive behinds, goals to Josh Jenkins, Rory Atkins and finally Taylor Walker completed the stunning transformation.

“Coming over to Perth, it’s always pretty hard to win over here,” Sloane said. “But to run out the game was an awesome effort, the boys are pretty happy.

“They (the Eagles) are a good team, we were playing away, so finishing it off was probably the most pleasing thing.”

Coach Don Pyke highlighted the spread of contributions to the win and Sloane said it was the way the team needed to play to build on its 8-4 start to the season.

“That’s when we are at our best, everyone is playing a role and doing it well,” he said.

“We never rely on just one guy to do well, that’s definitely when we play our best footy, when everyone is chipping in.”

Sloane, who was sitting fourth in the AFL Coaches Association player of the year votes before the weekend, hopes to find time for a surf in the next few days before the players return to West Lakes later this week to start preparing for their next game against North Melbourne on June 23 at Adelaide Oval.

 “It’s a great time for a spell now,” he said. “Then we reset and crack in for the second half of the year.”