Adelaide midfielder Richard Douglas says the Crows must win against North Melbourne no matter the cost in order to keep the year alive.

“If we want to play finals, we have to win this week. Plain and simple,” Douglas said.

The Crows have defeated the Kangaroos on three consecutive occasions; most recently a 36-point victory at Adelaide Oval in Round 13.

“We’ve got a pretty good record over them in the last few years.

“We match up well and know their game pretty well."

The sides clash at Blundstone Arena in Hobart for the first time and despite it being a North home game, Douglas doesn’t believe it will offer an advantage.

“Obviously at a neutral ground this week it’s going to be a different challenge and they’re in the finals now so they’ll be wanting to play good footy.

“We’re lucky we get to train down there on Friday afternoon,” Douglas said.

“It’ll be really good to get down and have a look at the conditions. The boys will be looking forward to that.”

North Melbourne has won its last two games at the venue and secured a big win against the Dogs on Sunday while the Crows are reeling from a loss to Richmond.

“I’m sure it’s going to be on, we’ll study them closely and come out and bounce back.”

Adelaide’s Scott Thompson is likely to return to the Crows’ side on Saturday after missing the last two weeks with a back-related hamstring complaint.