SUMMARY
The opportunity to play again can't come soon enough for Richmond after it's 10 minute fourth-quarter meltdown against Collingwood. Damien Hardwick's men have been disappointing in the opening two rounds and far from convincing as a top-four hopeful. Those credentials will be further tested against a form team in Adelaide, which boasts a fearsome forward line. The Crows' organisation under new coach Don Pyke contrasts with the Tigers lack of a plan late in last Friday's shocker. Still, both sides are 1-1 and it would not be beyond the Tigers to flip their form on its head.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, April 9, 2.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2015, Adelaide 11.22 (88) d Richmond 8.4 (52) at Adelaide Oval
R21, 2014, Richmond 10.19 (79) d Adelaide 9.15 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R12, 2013, Richmond 16.14 (110) d Adelaide 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R14, 2012, Adelaide 17.4 (106) d Richmond 13.9 (87) at AAMI Stadium
R23, 2011, Richmond 17.19 (121) d Adelaide 15.9 (99) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Adelaide dominated Richmond the last time they played, racking up 60 more disposals, 20 more tackles, 21 more scoring shots and 35 more inside 50s. Patrick Dangerfield was best on ground with 29 disposals.
2. Despite losing in round two to Collingwood the Tigers midfield was on top with five players finishing with 30 or more touches. The Crows midfield in the Showdown won the disposal count 412-324.
3. The Crows have three players in the top 10 in the competition for goalkicking – Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Eddie Betts. They are ranked No.3 in the AFL for points for (241).
4. Richmond has won its last four games at Etihad Stadium. The Crows have won four of their last seven games at the venue. Adelaide led North Melbourne for much of its Round One contest at Etihad Stadium, before falling by 10 points in a final quarter turnaround.
5. Poor ball use hurt the Tigers in Round Two, with 11 of Collingwood's 13 goals coming from turnovers. Their overall disposal efficiency was 75 per cent.
6. Young Tiger Kamdyn McIntosh is pushing up the Schick AFL Player Ratings after locking himself in the team's best 22, moving up more than 100 positions from No.658 to No.565 overall in just two rounds.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Trent Cotchin. Not for the first time, the Tigers' skipper has been scrutinised for his leadership in the wake of a tight loss. His team will rally around him, but the midfielder will also be keen to let his football do the talking, for no other reason than to help the Tigers to a much-needed win.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 11 points
