DISCIPLINE and decision making were the lessons handed to West Coast by Adelaide in its round-21 defeat at AAMI Stadium, according to Eagles midfielder Brad Ebert.

The visitors were given a footballing lesson by the Crows who cruised away in the second half for a comfortable 74-point win.

Ebert said the defeat put a sense of perspective on the side’s recent resurgence, but credited the opposition for making the game difficult.

“We had three wins in a row and we started to play some good footy, but Adelaide at home are a good side.

“They’re obviously pushing for finals and they’re just so regimented, so it was disappointing that we couldn’t keep up with that form (from the previous three weeks).

“There were a lot of turnovers and that’s something we really need to focus on along with the skills and using the right option.”

Ebert said West Coast was plagued by inefficiency and failed to close down Adelaide’s dangerous backline.

He admitted the side’s skill levels had to improve under intense situations and offered a simple solution to the problem.

“They were just spreading and really running hard and working for that switch. And with the turnovers it ended up being that we were on the back foot and they were running off.

“Mentally, we just need to make sure we just take that first option and hit those kicks and other than that, it’s just about working on skills under pressure in training.”

Ebert was honest in his assessment of his second year in senior footy since being drafted from Port Adelaide in the SANFL in 2008.

An injury picked up from last season hampered the midfielder earlier in his campaign, but he feels there is something to build on for next season.

“Personally, I feel I’ve been OK without being anything special.

“I was trying to run off that groin injury from last year which prohibited me a bit in pre-season, but I feel like I’ve got my run back in my legs".

Ebert said the side is looking to wrap up the season with victory over Richmond at Subiaco next Friday night after a harsh dose of reality against the Crows.

Hard work in pre-season following a strong end to the year is what he believes will set up a shot of making the top eight next season.

“That’s what we’re really aiming for (the top eight next season) and to finish off the year strongly next week – go and have a good pre season and work hard for next year.”