And Nicks says his Crows deserve to take centre-stage and open the league's inaugural 'gather round' with a rare prime-time, stand-alone fixture.
Adelaide and surrounds will host all nine AFL games from next Thursday to Sunday in a league experiment.
The Crows kick off proceedings with a clash against unbeaten Carlton on Thursday night at an already sold-out Adelaide Oval.
"We love our footy, so the state deserves this opportunity," Nicks said after Adelaide's 39-point victory against Fremantle on Saturday.
"We have embraced it (gather round), as have other states - there's a lot of people coming in.
"So it will be a fantastic week which we kick off Thursday night in a game now that we feel we deserve to go in and have a crack at some of the best.
"It's going to be a massive challenge but we will go in and give our best and have a real crack at them."
The Crows will host the Blues after banking impressive consecutive wins - downing the Dockers a week after sinking arch rival Port Adelaide by 31 points.
"Our guys are playing some really connected footy," Nicks said.
"They're confident in what they're doing but we have got to stick to that.
"And it will be challenged Thursday night, we go up against the best and they (Carlton) are undefeated - I know our guys will be looking forward to it."
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