SUMMARY
Seventh-placed Geelong returns to the more familiar surroundings of Simonds Stadium after snapping a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 17-point win over Fremantle, largely thanks to another Patrick Dangerfield masterclass. Second-placed Adelaide, meanwhile, secured its eighth successive win with a 28-point triumph at home over an improved Collingwood outfit. Coincidentally, the Crows' last loss was against the Cats at Adelaide Oval in Round Eight in Dangerfield's first game against his former club. The midfielder is likely to again go head-to-head with ex-teammate and close friend Rory Sloane following their enthralling tussle earlier this season, which is certainly a match-up to watch with interest. The Crows will seek to break a 13-year hoodoo at Geelong and strengthen their top-two claims in this Saturday night blockbuster.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Saturday, July 23, 7.25pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2016, Geelong 13.20 (98) d Adelaide 11.6 (72) at Adelaide Oval
R23, 2015, Geelong 17.17 (119) d Adelaide 11.14 (80) at Simonds Stadium
R1, 2014, Geelong 18.11 (119) d Adelaide 12.9 (81) at Simonds Stadium
R17, 2013, Adelaide 14.10 (94) d Geelong 14.8 (92) at AAMI Stadium
R18, 2012, Geelong 15.12 (102) d Adelaide 11.9 (75) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Cats midfielder Cameron Guthrie amassed a career-high 36 disposals when the sides met in Round Eight this season. His previous high was 33 touches, which he's recorded twice.
2. Adelaide has lost its past eight games against the Cats at Simonds Stadium. The Crows haven't won at the venue since Round 10, 2003.
3. The Cats are ranked No.1 for marks inside 50 with an average of 15 per game, while the Crows are equal third with 14. The teams can't be split for forward 50 entries, averaging 56.6 and sitting equal third.
4. Adelaide continues to be the highest-scoring side in the league with an average of 112 points per match, while Geelong is averaging 99 points.
5. The Crows are ranked No.2 for clearances this season with 39.2 per game. The Cats are equal fifth in this area with 38.3 per match.
6. Adelaide forward Tom Lynch surged 13 places, from No.62 to No.49 overall, in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after his 21-disposal, two-goal game against Collingwood. He's currently the fourth-highest Crow.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Hawkins
The spotlight is on the Geelong spearhead after his less than impressive recent outings, kicking one goal against Fremantle last week and managing just eight touches in each of the last three rounds. The Cats' misfiring forward line remains a major worry for coach Chris Scott, and Hawkins – who turned 28 this week – will be eager to have a greater influence.
AFL.COM.AU PREDICTION: Adelaide by 11 points
