SUMMARY
The Crows are flying after winning their opening three matches. Their engine room has been working superbly, while in attack Taylor Walker has looked dangerous, kicking 11 goals so far. The Bulldogs started their season with two wins but were brought back down to earth by the Hawks last Sunday. Injuries to key defender Dale Morris and midfielder Mitch Wallis are a huge blow to the Dogs, leaving it up to defenders Jordan Roughead and Michael Talia to corral the backline and contain Walker.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, April 26, 4.40pm AEDT
TV, RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R2, 2012, Adelaide 11.16 (82) d Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at AAMI Stadium
R13, 2011, Western Bulldogs 14.16 (100) d Adelaide 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
IN THE MIX: ADELAIDE
The Crows made it through their physical contest against Melbourne at the weekend without injury, meaning coach Phil Walsh won't be forced into making any changes. Debutant Jake Kelly was terrific – setting a record for tackles (10) by a debutant. However, gun midfield pair Matt Crouch and Jarryd Lyons continue to pressure the selection panel, as they did for much of last season. Lyons was outstanding in the SANFL with 27 possessions, five tackles, seven clearances and two goals, while Crouch had 28 disposals and five clearances. Matt's older brother Brad remains about a month away from a competitive return after breaking his foot.
IN THE MIX: WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs will have to make at least two changes for Sunday's clash with Adelaide, with both Dale Morris (pectoral) and Mitch Wallis (back) picking up serious injuries in the loss to Hawthorn. Fletcher Roberts or Joel Hambling loom as a replacement for Morris after strong performances in the VFL. The midfield is likely to bolstered by the return of Marcus Bontempelli and Matthew Boyd, who were both late withdrawals on the weekend with calf complaints. Tom Campbell, Jack Redpath and Lachie Hunter are also in-form replacements if Luke Beveridge decides to make changes.
THE SIX POINTS
1. Adelaide and the Bulldogs are the best tackling sides in the competition. The Crows average 77.7 per game, while the Dogs are second with 74 per game.
2. This will be the 40th contest between the sides and the Bulldogs hold a narrow advantage, winning 21 games to 18 despite the Crows winning three of the last four.
3. Taylor Walker has taken the most marks inside 50 in the League this year, with a total of 16. The Bulldogs have struggled in this area with no player ranked in the top 25.
4. Heavily in the Bulldogs favour is their record against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium – they’ve won six of eight games between the sides. In total the teams have played 19 times in Melbourne with 13 wins to the Dogs.
5. Adelaide has the best ranked defence so far in 2015 conceding only 60.3 points per game, while the Bulldogs are 12th having conceded 93.3 points per game.
6. The Crows boast two players in the top five of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Midfielder Rory Sloane has moved up one place into No.4 after round three, pushing teammate Patrick Dangerfield down to No.5.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Luke Beveridge. The Bulldogs coach copped some stick for failing to lock down Luke Hodge in Launceston last week. Will he be so lax with Patrick Dangerfield, or will he send Liam Picken straight to the Adelaide champion with instructions to ‘do a Bernie Vince on him’?
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 27 points
