Adelaide has kept in touch with the top four following a 25-point win against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Friday night.

The Crows bounced back from last week’s Showdown loss to claim a 15.9 (99) to 11.8 (74) victory.

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks provided five key takeaways after the win.

Fast-start catalyst for win

The Crows flew out of the blocks against the Eagles, kicking four quick unanswered goals, on their way to a total of six in the first quarter.

The start helped Adelaide hold a 30-point lead at the main break.

Although West Coast threatened in the final quarter, the Crows held on, thanks to the fast start that had the Eagles chasing their tails for the entirety of the match.

Nicks said starting well was a focus going into the game.

“We were looking for a strong start, and we're able to get that, which was really pleasing,” Nicks said.

“The focus is always to start well, but this was an extra special one, we knew we had to get out of the blocks.

“In the end, it turned into a bit of a slog, so to finish it off, and get the win was a great result, and probably a credit to the group that we were able to come out and start the way we did.

“We knew this was going to be a tough one, the first Friday night game for the Eagles this year, fireworks, and so on. 

“We knew if we allowed the crowd to get involved and for them to get momentum it was going to be a tough one, and we saw that towards the end.”

On-ball brigade bounces back

Adelaide’s midfield group lifted against West Coast, after being beaten in the contest during last weekend’s Showdown.

On Friday night, the Crows’ midfield won the centre clearances 18-8, and ruckman Lachlan McAndrew had the advantage with the hit-outs 49-27.

Nicks said he was proud of the group’s ability to bounce back and ensure it was not beaten again in those areas.

“For our midfield to start, especially the way they did was a credit to them, they gave us that ascendancy, and were able to hang on,” Nicks said.

“Led by Lachie McAndrew, his first four or five contests were outstanding, just strong. I think he may have cleared the ball a couple times himself.

“Then for Daws, Izak (Rankine), (James) Peatling, and Sam Berry, to get the job done in a hostile environment (was great).

“We’ve played a lot of footy here now, we know what can happen if it goes the other way, so I was really pleased to start the way we did.”

Captain leads from the front

Crows Captain Jordan Dawson continued his stellar season, leading from the front when it mattered most against the Eagles.

The 29-year-old played on-ball, up forward and in defence when the game was on the line, to finish with 27 disposals, eight tackles, seven marks, six clearances, and 764 metres gained.

Nicks praised Dawson's ability to stand up in big moments and said the Club would never underestimate the value of its skipper’s leadership, both on and off the field.

“Daws is, on-and-off field, an outstanding leader,” Nicks said.

“His football IQ is at another level, he knows where the team needs him at different times, he's got a certain license to play and, you know, feel the game out.

“He had a lot of attention tonight, which we knew was coming, he gets that most weeks, and then I think when he started to feel momentum, he was able to make a real leader’s decision and put himself in where we need him.

“Jordan makes decisions in games, occasionally he goes forward and does some work where he works with other players without giving too much away… We’re pleased to have him as the leader of our footy Club.”

In-form Fogarty impresses

Key forward Darcy Fogarty booted a game-high four goals against the Eagles, and was one of the catalysts behind the Crows’ fast start.

The 26-year-old followed on from last week’s five-goal haul and has regained form after an injury plagued first half of the season.

Nicks said it was pleasing to watch Fogarty return to his best.

“Darcy has been one who’s really found his game, anytime there’s a contest and he’s in it, we’re a pretty good chance to get a win,” Nicks said.

“It’s been really impressive, and it’s a credit to Darce, the way he’s focused and what he’s been working on.

“I’d say probably in the first half of the year, there was some pressure on, externally, for Darce to find that form, and I think he’s done a great job to contribute, especially the past couple of weeks when we haven’t necessarily been at our best.”

Nicks on Riley Thilthorpe’s late withdrawal

Forward Riley Thilthorpe was a late out on Friday night due to illness.

Nicks said he was unsure what had caused Thilthorpe’s illness but was hopeful he would be fit to put his hand up for selection next week.

“We’re not sure whether Riley has eaten something (bad) or whether it’s just a virus, but he went down pretty quickly this morning,” Nicks said.

“We had a couple of players over in case, as we do every week, so Billy Dowling got the call-up.

“Hopefully this is something sharp and quick that rips through him and he’s okay to go again next week.”

Adelaide will look to continue its winning form when it faces Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, July 11, at 7.40pm.

Tickets available here.