An inexperienced Adelaide outfit fell just short of victory in a tense battle against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night.

The Crows overcame a slow start to rein in the Cats and hit the front early in the last quarter, but were unable to keep the home side at bay as they fell 9.14 (68) to 9.6 (60).

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks spoke to the media post-game, and delivered five key takeaways. 

Crows rue slow start

Adelaide found itself behind the eight-ball from the early stages at GMHBA Stadium, as it produced a “disappointing” first 10 minutes, according to Senior Coach Matthew Nicks. 

The Crows were unable to quell the class of Geelong, and surrendered the first 10 inside 50s as the hosts flew out to an early 15-point buffer. 

Nicks said the way his team started the game was not up to standard, and the coaching group would review it heavily.

“It was probably the first 10 minutes of the game that was the issue, it was like we were still on the bus,” Nicks said.

“10 to zero inside 50s, I think we lost ground balls by 11 or 12, so that will be the one we need to look at and go through the why. 

“It’s all good to plan for something, but you have to go out and execute and we weren’t able to do that early. 

“It was really disappointing for the group to come in at quarter-time and look each other in the eye, we were disappointed.” 

Umpiring not a factor in hectic final minutes 

A last touch decision in the final minutes had fans across the footy landscape talking, but according to Nicks, it had no impact on the result. 

Prior to a Jack Martin major that extended the Cats’ lead to beyond a goal late in the final term, Geelong was awarded a lasso free kick, despite replays showing the ball did not come off young Crow Zac Taylor.

When asked about the decision, Nicks said he did not take much notice of it and gave credit to how Geelong managed the tense final minutes.

“No (I didn’t see that as a big moment), there was nothing that stood out and changed the game from that (umpire) point of view,” Nicks said. 

“There are a couple of things towards the end that we need to go and work on when it comes to those really close arm wrestles.

“We were up against quite an experienced side tonight that did that (end of game scenario) very well and we will learn a lot from it.”

Butts head knock handled professionally

Nicks was full of praise for Adelaide’s medical staff, as they professionally assessed Jordon Butts following a head knock late in the third quarter.

Butts spent a significant period on the bench, as the doctors ran him through concussion protocols, which he ultimately passed, allowing him to play out the game.

The Crows coach ran through his understanding of the events and how they played out. 

“I’m led to believe it played out really well as far as the AFL are concerned, our guys are pros in that space and we don’t put anyone at risk,” Nicks said.

“As far as I’m aware, and I don’t know all the details, but I've been told it was done really professionally.

“We won’t leave a player out there if there is any risk, so I believe it was done really well.” 

Key defenders stand tall  

Adelaide’s key defensive group showed its grit and determination with another standout performance. 

Challenged by a barrage of Cats inside 50s, the likes of Nick Murray, Josh Worrell and Jordon Butts stood tall to absorb the pressure and ensure the scoreboard did not get out of hand. 

They also managed to keep potent Geelong spearheads Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale goalless for the night. 

Nicks said the defenders had been a shining light of the Crows’ thus far, and allowed them to stay in the fight after a slow start.

“Our key backs have hung on for a few weeks now,” Nicks said. 

“There was a period of time where we couldn’t have played much worse and our key backs are still able to hang in there and limit the scoreboard impact.

“They kept us in the fight, if you look at the expected score they probably should have been 30 points ahead at some points, so we’ve got to give credit where it's due to our backs.

“We just can’t keep putting them under that pressure though, and we need to play the game more on our terms.”

Nicks provides update on missing Crows

Adelaide could welcome back three of the four experienced players that missed the trip to Geelong, as it prepares for a Good Friday clash against Fremantle in eight days time. 

Skipper Jordan Dawson, veteran defender Rory Laird and all-time leading goalkicker Taylor Walker are all on track to face the Dockers, after failing to get up for the Cats game. 

Nicks said bringing in that experience would provide his team with a major boost. 

“Without getting too far ahead of it, there were a few (that didn’t play) who were really close to getting up,” Nicks said. 

“Daws was super close and we cut that decision fine, Laird was similar and Tex should be right to go. He was more of a management decision. 

“I think we’ll be looking at three coming back in, and I think that will help, when your Captain isn’t out there it is a big loss for the team so it’ll be a boost for us.”