SUMMARY
The two sides arguably staged the match of 2015 in last year’s Elimination Final contest and Saturday night's clash looms as another enthralling clash. Coming off just their third loss at Etihad Stadium under Luke Beveridge, the Dogs will need to improve their ability to convert inside-forward 50s after kicking just nine goals from 56 entries against North. With Adelaide the AFL's second heaviest scorer, a return to form for goalsneak Tory Dickson would be welcome. Kicking goals clearly hasn't been a problem for the Crows this year, with Eddie Betts (20 goals) and Tom Lynch (14) in fine form. Even the injury-hampered Taylor Walker has provided 11 majors. The trio combined for nine goals in last year's final win, but will now confront the AFL's stingiest backline that has coped admirably with its fair share of injuries.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 7, 7.40pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
2EF, 2015, Adelaide Crows 16.13 (109) d Western Bulldogs 14.18 (102) at the MCG
R4, 2015, Western Bulldogs 18.17 (125) d Adelaide Crows 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2014, Adelaide 13.14 (92) d Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2013, Western Bulldogs 20.11 (131) d Adelaide 17.12 (114) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2013, Adelaide 12.8 (80) d Western Bulldogs 4.4 (28) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Eddie Betts booted five goals and Taylor Walker three when the Crows won their high-scoring Elimination Final clash with the Bulldogs in 2015. For the Bulldogs Tory Dickson booted five goals.
2. Adelaide is the highest scoring side so far in 2016, averaging 114 points per game, and the Crows have kicked 100 points or more four times. The Bulldogs rank 12th with 89 points per game.
3. The Western Bulldogs and Adelaide meet for the 42nd time and the Dogs hold a narrow advantage winning 22 games to 19. Since 2011 the Crows have won four games to three.
4. The Bulldogs continue to be the highest ball-winning side in 2016, ranked first for disposals per game and uncontested possessions. They’re also ranked second for contested possessions.
5. Heavily in the Bulldogs favour is their record against the Crows at Etihad Stadium, winning seven games to two including six of the last seven.
6. The Bulldogs defence has been strong so far in 2016, conceding only 57 points per game. In the last three weeks their opposition have managed only seven, 10 and nine goals.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …Jake Stringer
It always seems to be a big week for the dynamic Dogs' forward. Whether he's kicking goals or stuffing them up, Stringer is never far away from the action. Luke Beveridge said the 21-year-old had moments "he'd probably want back" after making a few mistakes in the loss to North Melbourne. His fortunes haven't been helped by some sloppy delivery inside 50 in recent weeks. Expect the match-winner to bounce back.
AFL PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 12 points
