Adelaide Senior Coach Matthew Nicks says he is confident his side has what it takes to hand Brisbane its first loss at the GABBA this season.
The Crows enter the game fresh off two straight wins and sit 11th on the ladder, just one win out of the top eight.
They also have winning form against the Lions in 2023, defeating them by 17 points at Adelaide Oval in Round 11.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nicks said besting the Lions on their home deck would be a much tougher assignment than the one his team faced ten weeks ago.
“The main reason they win at home is because they are a very good side,” Nicks said.
“We are in good form, we’re really confident, we are playing great footy.
“We just have to believe in ourselves and go over there and know we can do it.
“We beat them earlier in the year, we know it is going to be a much tougher game than that game was, but we will go with some confidence.”
Izak Rankine was a big contributor to the Crows’ Round 11 win over the Lions, booting two goals to go along with 23 disposals.
Having missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury, Nicks said Rankine was a chance to return for Saturday’s clash at the GABBA.
“He (Rankine) is progressing really well,” Nicks said.
“He’s a good healer I think, but he has done a hell of a lot of work as well.
“He’s been a real professional so we are pleased to be in the position that we are in.
“But we want to make sure we make the right decision around that because it's not just about this week, it's about the next three weeks and hopefully beyond.”
Adelaide will have at least one forced change, with Chayce Jones sidelined for the remainder of the season with a Lisfranc fracture.
Nicks said there were a number of guys ready to step up, highlighting the strong performances of those who have come into the team over the past few weeks.
“It was really disappointing for Chayce because he was having a huge impact for us this year,” Nick said.
“That does create a little bit of a void there, but we have got guys as we have shown all year ready to step up.
“Sloaney is definitely one of those, Cook is playing great footy, Sholl is now playing at SANFL level.
“We know both of those guys can play at AFL level so we will make a decision around that this afternoon.”
Adelaide takes on Brisbane at the GABBA on Saturday at 4:05pm (ACST).
Ahead of next weekend’s home clash with Sydney, secure your 2024 Membership for $1 and get access to the Crows’ last home game of the season.
