Adelaide avoided a wildcard playoff and secured a spot in the top six when it beat Greater Western Sydney by 56 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Crows fans came out in force for what was Club great Taylor Walker’s last home and away game at Adelaide Oval, after the 36-year-old announced he was retiring at season’s end, with more than 52,000 people packing into Adelaide Oval.

Walker (six goals, 13 possessions) and star midfielder Izak Rankine (35 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, four goals) led the way, as the Crows stormed to a 24.13 (157) to 15.11 (101) win.

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks gave the following takeaways post-game.

Walker wows the crowd in final home and away match at AO

Crows all-time leading goalkicker and veteran forward Taylor Walker turned back the clock against the Giants, kicking three goals in the first 10 minutes of the match.

He went on to kick three more to finish the game with a bag of six and star in his last home and away game at Adelaide Oval.

Nicks had plenty of praise for the 36-year-old, who was managed for the Crows’ game a week prior against Fremantle.

“It was pretty incredible from where we were sitting,” Nicks said.

“There’s no doubt when he’s able to be fresh, we saw it against Collingwood, we saw it again tonight, especially early when we gave him the chance in the first quarter, he’s not a bad player.”

Win lifts Crows into top six position

Adelaide entered the match against GWS in seventh spot and was staring down the barrel of lining up in a do-or-die wildcard final.

But a win against the Giants, coupled with Melbourne’s loss to the Western Bulldogs, lifted the Crows into the top six and allowed them to avoid playing in the wildcard game.

Finishing in the top six also gives Adelaide a bye this coming week, with the group set to benefit from a freshen up, according to Nicks.

“We're actually in a great position now, things happen for a reason, some results went our way, (and) we performed the way we knew we could, so we get another chance to be fresh,” Nicks said.

“(In) 14 days or thereabouts, we're going to have to perform again, and that'll be a bonus for the Big Texan (Taylor Walker), too.

“We’re in the now, so we’re about what we are doing right now, and we’re going to continue to try and win… We’re super confident that we can bring it when we need to.

“We’ve got finals experience within our group, to be in this position 12 months ago and sit there again, we’ll take the learnings. We’ve put ourselves in a position where it comes down to us, our destiny is in our own hands.”

Crows’ relentless pressure and daring ball use shine

Adelaide’s win against GWS was built on relentless pressure and its ability to transition the ball with speed and precision into the forward half.

And it began right from the start, with the Crows booting 9.2 to the Giants’ 1.4

GWS was able to peg the margin back slightly, and the hosts headed into the main break 21 points up.

But the Crows found another level in the second half and returned to their first-quarter form, which led to the eventual 56-point win.

The team’s ball movement and willingness to take the game on was what impressed Nicks.

“You don't expect that going into a game, to score nine and the opposition have one (goal),” Nicks said.

“I really like what I'm seeing at the moment with our game. It's still got a way to go, (but) we know things are so close to clicking, and you saw it for periods throughout tonight. 

“We've been talking in that sort of tone now for a long period of time, which we know how to win. Sometimes that might be ugly, but tonight there was some real, real polish in that. 

“We scored 150, so it's a great result.”

Nicks said the Crows were prepared for the Giants’ high-tempo brand of football and was pleased with the way his side was able to nullify it while showcasing its own attacking strengths.

“We knew they were going to take us on tonight. We knew the Giants play a style of footy that's fast-paced, they take risks, and there was nothing to lose tonight for them, so it was great,” Nicks said.

“It was a great challenge for us leading in. We got challenged in defence all night, they didn't want to kick long down the line, and our guys had to be on their game. 

“In the second quarter, we weren't, so to adjust that at half-time, come in and have a chat, come out and regroup was a really good sign we're maturing. 

“We’re going to continue to try and win, and if that means we’ve got to move the ball a little more and take some risks, we’ve got no fear with that. We are extremely excited about where we sit.”

The atmosphere at Adelaide Oval

More than 52,000 people turned up to watch the Crows fight for a spot in the top six and be there to say thank you to Walker in his final minor round match.

Nicks said the crowd's energy and the significance of the occasion created a special atmosphere at Adelaide Oval.

“I thought even driving in, there was a vibe about the city, there were people everywhere, two or three hours out,” Nicks said.

“It just had a good feel about it. There were a lot of people who wanted to be here early to get a good spot. 

“The hill was full, the southern stand was full as well, the riverbank stand was packed, you could just feel the atmosphere and the emotion.

“It was for our big man, but it was also for the team that is an important part of, so it was a really good night.”

Izak Rankine’s form and connection with fellow mids

Star midfielder Izak Rankine has produced a stellar season, particularly in the past three weeks where he’s recorded an impactful 36, 39, and 35 disposals, respectively.

Against the Giants, Rankine was electric, with 35 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, and four goals.

Nicks said Rankine was deserving of the recognition and was pleased with the developing connection he has forged with the Crows’ midfield group, including Dan Curtin.

“He’s getting involved a lot more, but as I mentioned the last few weeks, he’s getting rewarded for that hard work,” Nicks said.

“He’ll be playing in his first finals series, but he does some stuff that we don’t coach and everyone just sits back and claps.

“He’s building his connection with our ruck, connecting with our midfielders, we put (Dan) Curtin in there tonight as well and they’re going to be even better for having a run together.

“They’re two very different players, but both highly skilled with great football brains. It’s exciting for our football Club, with our Captain and (Sam) Berry in there as well.”

The latest on Zac Taylor’s injury

Small forward Zac Taylor came off in the first quarter after injuring his hamstring and did not return to the game.

Nicks said it was disappointing for the 23-year-old, who had started to hit his straps over the past month, but hoped the week off would give him every chance to recover in time for finals.

“It’s gut-wrenching for a guy who’s worked so hard, hopefully we might play enough games so he can come back in,” Nicks said.

“We don’t know yet whether it’s a bad one or not.

“I think when you put in the work and you become a really important part and your connection is so strong, it’s a disappointment he won’t be out there for his teammates and it’s hard for them all when you see that.

“Hopefully it’s a minor one and he’ll get another shot at it.”

Adelaide will have a week off before playing in an elimination final at Adelaide Oval the weekend starting Thursday, September 3. 

The AFL is expected to release more details on the top six finals fixture on Monday.

To keep updated on the Crows’ finals fixture, head to the Club’s finals hub here.