SUMMARY
Much was made of Adelaide’s tough start to the season, but the Crows have proven to be one of the form teams of the competition having strung together impressive wins. Their midfield has shown no sign of any post-Dangerfield struggles and their attack is as strong as it’s been for years. But they’ll face the toughest of challenges at home on the big stage of Saturday night against the top-of-the-table Sydney Swans. Lance Franklin is heating up, Luke Parker is dominating and the Swans have barely been challenged so far this season.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, April 16, 7.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2015, Sydney Swans 17.15 (117) d Adelaide 9.11 (65) at the SCG
R3, 2014, Sydney Swans 21.8 (134) d Adelaide 9.17 (71) at Adelaide Oval
R11, 2013, Sydney Swans 19.13 (127) d Adelaide 6.14 (50) at AAMI Stadium
QF, 2012, Sydney Swans 11.5 (71) d Adelaide 5.12 (42) at AAMI Stadium
R6, 2012, Adelaide 15.9 (99) d Sydney Swans 14.10 (94) at the SCG
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THE SIX POINTS
1. The Sydney Swans are one of the few visiting teams to have enjoyed success at Adelaide Oval, winning all three of their games by comfortable margins of 63, 26 and 48 points.
2. The Swans have dominated the Crows recently, winning the past four contests; the last three have been blow-outs, decided by 77, 63 and 52 points.
3. The Swans thrashed Adelaide the last time the sides met, winning by 52 points in round 18 last year at the SCG. Dan Hannebery picked up the three Brownlow votes with 40 disposals, 10 marks and three goals.
4. Lance Franklin has a consistent record against the Crows, kicking 43 goals in 14 games with a best haul of seven in the 2007 elimination final for Hawthorn.
5. Adelaide has failed to kick 100 points in a game against the Swans in each of the sides’ last 10 meetings.
6. Swan Luke Parker is climbing the Schick AFL Player Ratings and has pushed into the top 25. At No. 24 he’s the third-best Swan behind Josh Kennedy (No. 10) and Franklin (No. 13). Rory Sloane is Adelaide’s best at No. 6.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Tom Lynch. Having pulled out late last weekend to attend the birth of his second child, Lynch will want to make his return to the side known on Saturday night. Lynch is one of the club’s most important players and a genuine star when firing. He was one of the club’s sole performers in last year’s loss to the Swans, collecting 21 possessions and kicking three goals.
AFL.COM.AU PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 22 points
