Riley Thilthorpe's career-best haul of six goals has spearheaded Adelaide to an 11-point AFL win over the Western Bulldogs that coach Matthew Nicks hailed "a big statement".
The Crows had to overcome significant challenges in the 16.13 (109) to 15.8 (98) win on Saturday at Marvel Stadium. As they solidified their top-four berth, the loss added weight to questions about the Bulldogs' finals claims.
Crows defender Jordon Butts was hospitalised with a punctured lung, and Brayden Cook was concussed after a head clash with Rory Lobb, leaving the Crows one man down.
The Bulldogs also gave Adelaide a late scare, kicking five goals to two in the final quarter, as the home team finished ahead on contested possessions, clearances and inside-50s.
But more significantly, the Crows had six more scoring shots for the game, which spoke volumes for their much better efficiency in attack.
Eight years after their last finals appearance ended with the disastrous 2017 grand final loss to Richmond, something big is brewing at West Lakes.
"We adapted as we were challenged with injury. In the end we found a way to, not crawl over the line, but just hang in there," Nicks said.
"A big win for our footy club ... it is a big statement.
"Even in those tough times (since 2017), it was building. Internally, we were making progress, we were developing.
"There were a lot of wins off-field that we were getting ... now the results are starting to come."
Nicks again said Adelaide had learned their harsh lessons from last year, when expectations were high and they fell well short.
"This year we've just nailed in on 'what's the next challenge?'," he said.
And the next challenge is again massive, hosting in-form Gold Coast on Sunday week.
"It was an interesting evening, sitting there last night, watching them in the first half - trying to work through how do you stop that," Nicks said of the Suns' statement win over Collingwood.
While Gold Coast midfield bulls Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell loom large, Adelaide's onballers will take great heart from Saturday's performance.
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli arguably shaded Thilthorpe for best afield honours - 37 possessions, 11 tackles, eight clearances and 10 inside-50s.
Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards also shone for the Bulldogs, but Crows captain Jordan Dawson and his fellow midfielders found a way to prevail.
"Bont is one of the best players you'll see ... he's always going to impact the game, it's how big is that impact going to be," Nicks said.
"Today it was not quite enough to them over the line. As a team, we've been able to get the job done."
While Nicks acknowledged losing Butts is a big blow, he said they have other defenders who can fill his role.
The Bulldogs are now 1-7 this season against other finals contenders. There were echoes on Saturday to a month ago, when they also lost to Hawthorn at the same venue.
"I know that's the narrative, but ultimately you can look at it in two different ways - in a really pessimistic way, like that, or an optimistic way, in that we put ourselves in a position where at least we're in the mix to give ourselves a chance at the end of the year," said Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
"But as far as the scoreline and the way the game played out and history repeating itself against a pretty good team, I agree."
Key forward Aaron Naughton continued his strong form, kicking five goals.
But Thilthorpe and fellow key forwards Darcy Fogarty (three) and Taylor Walker (two) kicked 11 between them for the Crows.
