Ricciuto revs up struggling Crows

CROWS Brownlow medallist and board member Mark Ricciuto says Adelaide’s playing group will be defined by a three-pronged survival mission against West Coast, Richmond and Geelong where careers, reputations and September dreams are decided.

The Crows powerbroker will run the rule over who fires for coach Don Pyke, placing a premium on those who stand up in adversity.

An “ugly” 56-point capitulation against Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG means Adelaide will be two games out of the eight when it hosts West Coast after the bye.

“It is the first time they have been in this situation for a few years,” Ricciuto said of Adelaide’s four-game losing stretch, its worst since 2011.

“It will sort out who you will want on your team and not.

“I like looking at times like this who plays well and who doesn’t.

“It is important to play well when the side is struggling.

“The Crows are under the pump. Let’s hope they can step up to the plate.”

Adelaide is in 11th place, a game and a significant 100-118 percentage behind eighthplaced North Melbourne.

Ricciuto said there was no margin for error in a season where Adelaide was expected to be a title contender.

“They need to get their confidence and fitness up. They have to win six of nine to make finals, which is not an easy task,” Ricciuto told Triple M.

“West Coast home, Richmond away and Geelong home, so first, second and fourth on the ladder. You will get a really clear indication of where they are at after that next month. Let’s hope they can pull together and play some better footy.”

Ricciuto believes post-bye returns from All-Australian defender Rory Laird (hand), vice-captain Rory Sloane (Lisfranc), Luke Brown (ankle) and Tom Lynch (side strain) could transform Adelaide’s persona.

“If you get those four back, it stiffens up the backline and adds a bit if grunt to the forwards and midfield area as well,” Ricciuto said.

“Over the bye they need to regroup, have a look where they are at, hopefully get Brown, Laird, Lynch and Sloane back — but they are not guarantees.

“They need to get some players back to give them some confidence and leadership.”