Adelaide is refusing to dwell on its finals opener, instead drilling down on the fine margins that will help keep its premiership hopes alive, says veteran Taylor Walker.

The Crows face the Hawks in a must-win semi-final on Friday night, after they fell to Collingwood by 24 points in last week’s qualifying final. 

Having earned a double chance, Adelaide has been quick to review its shortcomings from its loss to the Magpies, and narrow its focus ahead of Friday night’s match. 

Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide Breakfast, Walker said the group had responded well to last week’s disappointment. 

“We’re in this position where we get a second chance off the back of what we’ve done throughout the season, so as a group we’ve licked our wounds and are ready to go,” Walker said. 

“These are the types of games we want to be playing (big finals), if we want to play on Grand Final day we’ll have to do it a bit differently - but we are up to the challenge.

“We’ll have a tough session tonight (Tuesday) and prepare really well to give it our best on Friday night.” 

When it comes to combatting the Hawks, Walker explained where he felt their strengths lie, and what the group would have to do to overcome them. 

“They’ve got some bulls inside in (Jai) Newcombe and (James) Worpel, and have some speed on the outside as well which is dangerous,” Walker said. 

“We’ll just have to win our fair share of footy in the midfield, hopefully ROB (Reilly O’Brien) can bring that hot hand of his and give us a good look at it. 

“Ahead of the ball we need to win our fair share of contests, make the most of our opportunities and we’d like to play with a bit more freedom out of defence and get the ball locked in our front half.”

The Crows could receive a boost for Friday night’s clash with the return of livewire forward Josh Rachele. 

Walker said the 22-year-old had recovered from his knee injury and the coaching group had a big decision to make. 

“He’ll be a massive chance to play this week,” Walker said. 

“He ticked off all he needed to tick off last week, so he’ll train tonight and provided everything goes well, his magnet will be on the board and there will be a lot of discussion as to whether to play him or not.” 

Adelaide takes on Hawthorn in a semi-final at Adelaide Oval this Friday, with the first bounce at 7.10pm ACST. 

For up-to-date information on the Crows’ finals series, visit the Club’s finals hub here.