Adelaide forward Riley Thilthorpe has heaped praise on teammate Darcy Fogarty following his five-goal haul in Showdown 60 last Saturday night.
Fogarty, who has begun to hit his straps again after spending seven weeks out of the AFL side due to a back injury, was a shining light for the Crows during their loss to Port Adelaide.
The 26-year-old finished the game with 16 disposals, 11 contested possessions, four marks and seven score involvements, together with five majors.
Speaking to the media ahead of the team’s flight to Perth on Wednesday, Thilthorpe said it was pleasing to see his fellow forward and leadership group member regain his confidence.
He said having Fogarty back to his best was a boost for the forward line.
“I think he's (Fogarty) been building beautifully,” Thilthrope said.
“It was just so good to see him kick a bag and get a bit of reward for it, because he's a very selfless player, and we all love playing alongside him
“I think it's been a very even contribution so far and I think that's a great part of our team, It's not relying on someone's shoulders.”
The Crows were set to arrive in Perth on Wednesday afternoon - two days before their Round 17 clash against West Coast.
Thilthorpe said heading over a bit earlier not only helped players get acclimated to WA, but also helped with connection.
“It’s obviously good for the body, (to) get over there, adjust the time difference a little bit quicker,” Thilthorpe said.
“It’s good to travel, have us all together as a group, and just be around each other and get more connected.”
Adelaide will be hoping to return to the winners’ list when they face West Coast at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
And the team has learnt plenty of lessons from the loss to the Power, according to Thilthorpe.
“We didn't have a great day with the clearances last week, but it definitely just wasn't that, I think all around the ground we were beaten in critical contests, we weren't clean enough, and if you don't bring it any week, you can get done,” Thilthorpe said.
“They (Port Adelaide) came out hot, put the pressure on, and their big players stood up and played really good games, so I definitely don't think it was complacency, but definitely a lesson, lesson learned.
“We've, we haven't played like that too often, which has been pleasing, we'll put our head down this week and have a good form.
““It’s a hostile environment over there (in Perth), West Coast fans are passionate, and (the team) will have a red hot crack. We'll definitely be prepared for it, and hopefully throw the first punch this week.”
The Crows will name their team for the match on Thursday at 5.50pm (ACST).
Adelaide faces West Coast at Optus Stadium on Friday at 7.40pm (ACST).
The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide, Fox Footy and Kayo.
