SUMMARY
The Blues are back at the MCG for the first time in more than a month but the task of achieving an elusive second victory of the season does not appear any easier on Saturday against Adelaide. The seventh-placed Crows (5-4) lost no friends with a valiant effort against the all-conquering Dockers at home last Saturday. Carlton put in a much better performance against the Swans last week and interim coach John Barker will be hoping for similar commitment and intensity against Adelaide. Star Crows Eddie Betts and Sam Jacobs will need little motivation to bring about their former team's demise.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, June 6, 1.40pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2014, Carlton 12.9 (81) d Adelaide 10.16 (76) at the MCG
R5, 2013, Carlton 17.13 (115) d Adelaide 12.11 (83) at the MCG
R8, 2012, Adelaide 19.10 (124) d Carlton 8.7 (55) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2011, Carlton 11.19 (85) d Adelaide 12.7 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2010, Carlton 16.7 (103) d Adelaide 6.19 (55) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Blue Kade Simpson was best on ground when these clubs last met, finishing with 37 possessions, 11 marks and one goal. Teammate Troy Menzel kicked three goals and Crow Eddie Betts booted four against his former team.
2. The bottom-placed Blues are strong at the centre clearances, ranked first with an average of 15 a game. The Crows are third with 13.9.
3. Carlton has applied the fewest tackles of any team this season, at an average of only 54.9 a game. Adelaide is ninth with 67.4.
4. The Blues have won three of the previous four contests between these clubs at the MCG. The Crows' only victory over Carlton at the MCG was in Round Six, 2008.
5. Carlton has struggled to score this season, ranked 17th for points a game with an average of 71.8. Adelaide is fifth with 94.2.
6. Sam Jacobs and Eddie Betts are ranked second in their respective categories in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Jacobs (No.15 overall) is 18.4 points behind Kangaroo Todd Goldstein in the ruck category and Betts (No.23 overall) 5.5 points behind Hawk Luke Breust in the small/medium forwards.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Betts and Jacobs. The former Blues loom as crucial to the Crows' hopes of ending a two-game losing streak. Instead of plotting their downfall, John Barker would love them in his team now.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 12 points.
