SUMMARY
This is a huge game for both clubs and the ideal way to kick off the last round of the premiership season. The implications are massive on either side; if the Crows win, they will likely finish in the top two and have a strong chance to secure a home preliminary final. Lose, and they could drop out of the top four. The Eagles can still finish in the four if they win, but more likely is the incentive is to avoid playing an elimination final on the road. Losing star ruckman Nic Naitanui with a torn ACL makes the job much harder and places more pressure on Scott Lycett. The Crows are without gun midfielder Rory Sloane, after he accepted a one-game suspension for a hit on Brad Ebert. Even without Naitanui, the Eagles will give a great account of themselves and this will come down to the wire.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Friday, August 26, 7.40pm ACST.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R12, 2016, Adelaide 15.15 (105) d West Coast 11.10 (76) at Domain Stadium
R22, 2015, Adelaide 19.12 (126) d West Coast 10.9 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R15, 2015, West Coast 22.15 (147) d Adelaide 14.7 (91) at Domain Stadium
R19, 2014, West Coast 20.16 (136) d Adelaide 16.9 (105) at Adelaide Oval
R23, 2013, Adelaide 19.15 (129) d West Coast 5.13 (43) at Domain Stadium
SANFL Preview: Crows v Panthers
THE SIX POINTS
1. Adelaide could have won by more in Round 12 when it dominated the inside 50s with 65 to 35. The Eagles were held goalless in the final quarter, the first time in history this had happened at Domain Stadium.
2. The Crows are the No.1 centre clearance team in 2016, averaging 14.4 per game, while the Eagles are ranked seventh, averaging 12.9.
3. Adelaide and West Coast meet for the 44th time and the Eagles hold a narrow advantage, winning 23 games to 20. Since 2013, it’s three wins each.
4. It will be a contest between two of the highest scoring sides this season. The Crows are first for points per game with 114, and the Eagles are third with 99 points per game.
5. This will be the third time these teams will play at Adelaide Oval, and it’s currently one win each. The Eagles have enjoyed travelling to the venue so far, winning three of four games.
6. Both teams will be without their highest-ranked players in the AFL Schick Player Ratings. Injured West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui is seventh overall with 588.9 points, while suspended Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane is eighth on 571.9 points. West Coast's Luke Shuey will be the highest-ranked player on the field, ranked 21st overall with 490.2 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Scott Lycett
The season-ending knee injury to star ruckman Nic Naitanui puts the responsibility on the shoulders of Lycett. His first task can't get much harder, going up against Adelaide star Sam Jacobs. Lycett needs to at least break even to give his midfielders the chance to come out on top in the clearances.
AFL.COM.AU PREDICTION: Adelaide by 26 points.
