Adelaide returned to the winners’ list on Saturday afternoon with a 60-point win against Carlton.

The Crows’ claimed a 16.14 (110) to 7.8 (50) victory at Adelaide Oval to give them a 5-3 win/loss record at the end of Round Eight.

Here are five takeaways from Senior Coach Matthew Nicks’ post-game press conference.

A perfect response

Adelaide was unable to get its game going in the match against Fremantle last weekend and succumbed to an eventual 18-point loss.

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks said the challenge was put to the players and they answered the call.

“It feels really good at the moment, responding off the back of last week, that’s our game back to its best,” Nicks said

“Our mids last week, we challenged ourselves during the week about the level we need to be at to compete and we responded really well today, across the board, not just our mids.

“I thought stoppage, centre bounce… it makes a difference when you’re able to play the game in your front half.”

Captain’s complete game

Crows Skipper Jordan Dawson was influential from the first bounce, setting the tone with a dominant 11-disposal opening quarter.

Dawson continued that form throughout the game, finishing with three goals, 22 disposals, nine score involvements and six clearances.

Nicks said Dawson deserved the praise after his performance.

“That’s why he’s the Captain,” Nicks said.

“I’m hard on him, too. My expectations on Daws are increasing every time we play.

“But tonight, he had a huge impact in a couple of areas, on-ball, and then went forward.

“It’s a really good sign - I think he’s done it off the back of an area we’ve worked on this week - tackles, our intensity - I thought he was part of that that started through the middle of the ground early and it set the scene for the game.”

A team-first defence mindset

The Crows defenders stood up, holding the Blues’ forwards to just seven goals.

Josh Worrell led the way with nine intercepts and nine contested possessions, while fellow backmen Mark Keane (six intercepts), Brodie Smith (five) and Max Michalanney (four) were all impressive.

Nicks said Worrell had proven himself to be a key cog in Adelaide’s backline and was pleased with the way the whole team defended.

“He’s in great form and I think his form comes off the back of the way our group is team defending,” Nicks said.

“I thought tonight was one of our best in that space, not just our back six or seven, but even our midfield and our wingers got back and helped out.

“We knew it was going to be a tough task, they have a real high-end talent in their forward line, that if you leave one-on-one you are going to find it difficult.

“We had a plan coming in which our guys executed. I thought Keane was really strong (as well).”

Squad depth stands up

The Crows coaching cohort made four changes ahead of the clash against Carlton.

Adelaide was missing defenders Mitch Hinge (suspension) and Nick Murray (knee), as well as midfielder Matt Crouch (hip), while draftee Sid Draper was omitted.

Veteran defender Brodie Smith was called upon, as was Jordon Butts and Sam Berry, while Darcy Fogarty returned from injury.

Nicks was pleased with the players’ adaptability.

“We had four changes this week, Jordan Butts was one who came in who we were really confident was ready to go,” Nicks said.

“That’s an even better sign for us at the moment, the squad depth that we have talked about.

“To have Fogarty come back in, Brodie Smith, who was part of that back six, Butts and Sam Berry - they’re four pretty good in’s - so it’s pleasing to see our squad is strong.

“We have confidence if we have some injuries or are forced to make changes.”

Smith’s return and special moment

Veteran Brodie Smith was named to play his first game of 2025 against the Blues after performing well with the Crows’ SANFL side.

The 33-year-old was solid down back, recording five score involvements, five intercepts, and 17 disposals at 94 percent efficiency.

And he produced a moment he will remember for quite some time when he snapped at goal in the final quarter just inside 50, with the ball sailing through the big sticks.

Nicks said it was good to see Smith rewarded after biding his time in the State League.

“I’ve asked a lot (of Smith) over the past six to eight weeks,” Nicks said.

“I’ve asked him to be patient, I’ve asked him to continue to lead at our SANFL level, continue to drive standards. We have a lot of values away from footy and he’s been so strong in that space.

“Brodie’s been outstanding in the way he’s gone about it… It was great to see that goal at the end.”