ADELAIDE coach Don Pyke has praised the Crows for getting their hands dirty and emerging on the right side of the ledger in a scrappy 17-point win against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Sunday night.
Just 12 goals were kicked in the game – and three behinds in total in the second quarter – as both sides struggled to make the most of their attacking opportunities.
The Crows eventually prevailed 7.9 (51) to 5.4 (34) to move up to a 4-3 record for the season after their third straight win.
CROWS PIP DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats
"Sometimes that's what just you have to do," Pyke said.
"People can get frustrated for not moving the ball.
"Sometimes, the games throw up different challenges and different situations.
"The ability to adapt to that and hang into the armwrestle and accept what the game was and find a way, that was the pleasing part tonight.
"We didn't try to … pull something out from a ball movement viewpoint.
"It was – hang in the contest, get field position, get ahead of the ball and create opportunities.
"We were able to create and take a few more than Fremantle that got us the result."
Both teams had 50 inside 50s, with the Crows having 16 scoring shots to just nine for the Dockers.
Pyke lauded his defence for giving up just five goals.
He was also impressed with the efforts of ruckman Reilly O'Brien, who had 44 hitouts and 22 disposals in just his seventh senior game.
WATCH Don Pyke's full post-match press conference
They were both career-highs, with the 23-year-old getting better in every game as he fills in for the injured Sam Jacobs.
"He was outstanding tonight," Pyke said.
"He's continuing to blossom and get better week in, week out. Tonight sort of suited him.
"It was a really physical game and he's a ruckman that likes getting his hands dirty after the ruck contest, so it's really pleasing with the progress he's making."
Pyke said defender Luke Brown will be assessed this week to see how he pulls up after making his comeback from an ankle injury in the SANFL last Friday night.
Brown had his playing time managed, but could be considered to come into the side for Saturday night's all-important Showdown 46 against Port Adelaide.
