Adelaide and Geelong have met 35 times, with the Cats holding a narrow overall advantage 18-17.

Adelaide has won two of its last three games against the Cats, including the last meeting in Round 17 last season. However, the Crows haven’t tasted victory at the fortress that is Simonds Stadium since Round 10, 2003, when Scott Welsh slotted three goals to help guide the visitors to a 17-point win.

Matthew Wright was one of the stars of Adelaide’s come-from-behind win in Round 17 last year. Wright kicked a game-high four goals including the sealer in the thrilling final term. Geelong missed two shots at goal in the dying stages, and the Crows held on for a memorable win.

The Cats have 10 South Australians on their senior list, only five fewer than the Crows (15).

James Podsiadly is set to line up against his old side for the first time on Thursday night. Podsiadly played 83 games for Geelong including the 2011 premiership. ‘Pods’ joins an extensive list of former Cats at West Lakes, including coach Brenton Sanderson, assistant coach Darren Milburn, rehab physio Duncan Kellaway and opposition analyst Rob Harding.

The Crows were one of three undefeated teams in the pre-season competition, which included two NAB Challenge games and a trial match. Hawthorn and West Coast were the other two.

Scott Hodges holds the record for most Crows goals against Geelong. Hodges booted 11.4 at Football Park in Round 23, 1992. It was in the same game that Adelaide recorded its highest-ever score against the Cats – 24.25 (169).

Geelong likes to set up its attack from defence. In 2013, the Cats ranked No.1 in intercept possessions and going through the corridor from defensive 50m. They averaged the most handballs of any team in their wins last season.

New Crows Life Member Scott Thompson will play his 84^th consecutive game this week. The durable midfielder hasn’t missed a game since Round Eight, 2010. Unfortunately, Richard Douglas’ streak of 39 straight games (the next-best at Adelaide) will come to an end. Douglas (groin) will miss his first game since Round Eight, 2012.

Thompson has averaged 29 possessions in his last four games against Geelong – the best of any Crow. Joel Selwood leads the way for the Cats, averaging 24.3 disposals and 1.5 goals in his past four clashes with Adelaide. Selwood kicked three goals and picked up two Brownlow votes in Geelong’s narrow loss to the Crows last season.

Joint vice-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane will lead the Crows for the first official time this week in the absence of injured skipper Nathan van Berlo. Dangerfield enjoys playing at his old stomping ground in Geelong, averaging 27 possessions and 1.5 goals in his past two matches at the venue.

Brownlow Medallist and triple-premiership player Jimmy Bartel will play his 250^th AFL game against Adelaide on Thursday night.