A rare Friday night at the 'G

Adelaide has played at the MCG 71 times. On a Friday night, Adelaide has played at the home of football just 12 times for a 3-9 record. This will be the 13th time it happens, and also the last time Adelaide plays at the venue in a home-and-away game for 2018.

The Crows last claimed a Friday night win at the MCG in 2009, defeating Hawthorn by 27 points. Since then, the Crows have had just three Friday night appearances, losing to Collingwood once and Hawthorn twice. For Richmond, they surprisingly return to the timeslot at the 'G for the first time since last season’s Qualifying Final against Geelong.

The big question is - when did the Crows and Tigers last play a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG? It was 2001 and the Crows won by 28 points as Brett Burton booted five goals to help his side erase a 24-point halftime deficit. 

Keeping the streak alive

Richmond is on a current 16-game win streak at the MCG. Sydney last defeated the Tigers at the MCG in Round 13 last year. Similarly, they are undefeated in their last 18 games in Melbourne with St Kilda the last team to beat them in Round 16 last year at Etihad Stadium. The Tigers are hot at home and with a big crowd expected, the pressure will be on.

Terrific Tex

Taylor Walker’s recent history against Richmond has been solid with the forward booting 23 goals against them in his past seven meetings. Twice he has finished with hauls of five.

In terms of key forwards, Walker’s scoring numbers are ahead of Jack Riewoldt’s in clashes between the two sides with Riewoldt going goalless earlier this year. The last time Riewoldt kicked three or more goals against Adelaide was 2013 and he has only managed the feat twice in 13 games.

Richmond's young inclusions

Richmond brings in Corey Ellis and Callum Moore to their side with Moore holding five career games to his name and Ellis 25 – although that only includes two in 2018. The young pair has impressed at VFL level with midfielder Ellis coming off a 26-disposal game against Box Hill. His had 11 touches in his last AFL game, which was back in Round Two against the Crows. Moore has seen plenty of improvement this season with the 193cm forward recording a career-high 14 disposals against St Kilda in Round 11 and two goals in Round 12.