Adelaide's misfiring attack is "just a touch off", according to forward Tom Lynch who expects a strong response in Saturday night's crucial encounter against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Averaging just 73 points per game, the Crows are struggling with their connection between their vaunted forward line and their midfield.

"When teams are going well, you're really on the same page as a team and you know when a guy's ready to kick and when you're ready to lead," Lynch said.

"At the moment, we're just a touch off.

"That's all you need to be at this level, just a touch off, because defenders are so good and midfield pressure and that's too great.

"I'm very confident when we're in this predicament or a touch off … we've had two opportunities to train really fiercely this week and it was fantastic, so I know you'll get a good response."

INJURY UPDATE: Jacobs faces a test

By the time they take on the Kangaroos, the Crows would have had nine days to digest their 24-point loss to Geelong at Adelaide Oval last Thursday night.

It's a crucial encounter for both sides.

The Kangaroos are 0-3, while the Crows have a solitary win against Sydney in Round Two – a far cry from the pre-season expectations of returning to premiership contention.

"It's a really important game, we're disappointed and frustrated with the position we're in," Lynch said.

"I feel every game we rise to the occasion and that every game is as important as the next.

"It's a long season and we've got to make sure we're on the same page and play the brand of footy we're capable of before we worry too much about it."

PREVIEW: Adelaide v North Melbourne

Experienced ruckman Sam Jacobs is unlikely to return from a knee injury, but will be given more time to prove his fitness.

The 31-year-old veteran of 198 games jogged laps and did some running drills at Football Park on Wednesday morning.

"He trained a little bit today and he's got a little bit more to do to get himself up for this week," Lynch said.

"It's only Wednesday, so we'll give him every opportunity as a senior player to get himself right."

"If that isn't the case, we've got full faith in Reilly (O'Brien) to come in and play his role again."

The Crows will also need to find a replacement for wingman Paul Seedsman, who will miss four to eight weeks with a knee injury, with Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Hugh Greenwood, Jordan Gallucci, Myles Poholke and draftee Ned McHenry among the options.