SUMMARY
This is a huge game with massive finals implications for both clubs. Adelaide (12th; nine wins, eight losses) is aiming for its fourth win from its past five games, while Melbourne (seventh; 10 wins, seven losses) needs to respond from its heartbreaking after-the-siren loss to Geelong. The Crows are building nicely. Wayne Milera's attack off half-back has been important, defender Rory Laird has just about locked in a second straight All Australian guernsey and their pressure is up across the ground. The Crows will be boosted by the return of skipper Taylor Walker from a one-game suspension. Ruckman Sam Jacobs will need to at least break even with Brownlow Medal contender Max Gawn to give their midfielders a chance of controlling Clayton Oliver, Angus Brayshaw and Christian Petracca. Oliver has been especially damaging, with Riley Knight likely to be given the run-with role after impressive jobs on Joel Selwood and Dayne Beams in recent weeks.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, July 28, 7.10pm ACST
TICKETS: Great seats are still available for Saturday night footy from $35!
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2018, Melbourne 23.8 (146) d Adelaide 8.7 (55) at Traeger Park
R17, 2017, Adelaide 17.14 (116) d Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Marrara Oval
R8, 2017, Melbourne 17.5 (107) d Adelaide 9.12 (66) at Adelaide Oval
R15, 2016, Adelaide 18.12 (120) d Melbourne 15.8 (98) at the MCG
R3, 2015, Adelaide 12.8 (80) d Melbourne 7.13 (55) at Adelaide Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Angus Brayshaw was the most influential player on the ground when the Demons thrashed the Crows by 89 points in Alice Springs in round 10, finishing with 37 disposals, 14 marks and three goals. The Demons won the disposal count 468-335, took 125 marks to 90, had 24 more inside
2. The Demons are ranked first in scoring, inside 50s and marks inside 50. The Crows are 10th for scoring, 12th for inside 50s and equal 16th for marks inside 50.
3. If the Demons win, it will be their first time they have had consecutive victories over the Crows since 1998-99. The Crows have the edge since 2013, with four wins to three.
4. Behind in-form ruckman Max Gawn, the Demons lead the League in hit-outs and centre clearances. In contrast, the Crows are equal 10th in centre clearances.
5. The Crows have won two of the three games the two sides have played at Adelaide Oval. Overall, the Demons are three from seven at the ground.
6. Demons midfielder Clayton Oliver will be the highest-ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings on the ground. Oliver has risen to a career-high fifth overall, after starting the season ranked 71st. He has now overtaken Crows star Rory Sloane, who has slipped one spot to sixth.
Four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis has accomplished a lot in his brilliant career. The Demons defender reaches another milestone when he joins the 300-game club. At age 32, the former Hawk is still playing quality football and had 30 disposals in last week's two-point loss to Geelong.
PREDICTION: Crows by eight points
