Emboldened by the unexpected success of Neil Craig's first full season as coach, Adelaide is now confident it can beat any side in the AFL.

Unobtrusive but brilliant midfielder Tyson Edwards said the Crows had gone from being unsure where they would finish at the start of the season to thriving on the belief that comes from winning.

"In pre-season we probably thought we wouldn't be here to be honest, but who knows ... we think we can probably beat anyone if we play the style of footy we know we can and to the level we should we'll go alright," he said.

"(Confidence came) in seeing the type of footy we were trying to play was actually working and that it was different to what we had done before.

"Each week we think we've improved in certain areas."

Edwards' expression of confidence came as the Crows began preparations for a Saturday night battle with the in-form Sydney Swans, with second spot the likely reward for the winner.

"They had a really good win over West Coast, and we always have really good matches against them, so playing another good side at this time of the year is perfect for us," he said.

"Second is the big prize, it certainly makes it easier having those games at home."

Adelaide's supreme start and resilient finish against the Kangaroos served notice that the Crows have reached a challenging level of form, and Edwards said many of the side's younger players had been steeled by the experience.

"It was an excellent game, really quick like finals footy, and there was a fair bit of pressure on out there too and a few collisions as well, so that's what finals footy is all about, finals are probably another step up from that but that was good for everyone to play a good side," he said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP