SUMMARY
It’s fifth against sixth on Saturday as the SANFL Crows head to Prospect in another finals-defining clash. Adelaide must respond after producing arguably its worst performance at SANFL level against Central District last weekend since entering the competition in 2014. The Crows need to topple teams such as North Adelaide to cement its credentials as a top five contender through the back half of the season. It’s also a must-win match for North Adelaide to stay in touch with the finals race. A loss at home will drop the Roosters three games behind the top five and put September almost beyond their reach. North is a much-improved outfit under new coach Josh Carr this year, while Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie will no doubt put it to his players to make amends after last week’s disappointing display. Don’t expect either side to take a backwards step on Saturday afternoon.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Adelaide: 3
North Adelaide: 2
WHERE AND WHEN: Prospect Oval, Saturday, July 2, 2.10pm ACST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2016, North Adelaide 9.9 (63) d by Adelaide 9.13 (67) at Prospect Oval
R14, 2015, North Adelaide 8.11 (59) d by Adelaide 25.10 (160) at Prospect Oval
R2, 2015, North Adelaide 13.12 (90) d Adelaide 12.15 (87) at Prospect Oval
R11, 2014, North Adelaide 13.12 (90) d by Adelaide 15.4 (94) at Prospect Oval
R1, 2014, North Adelaide 20.13 (133) d Adelaide 12.14 (86) at Prospect Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Adelaide snatched a last-gasp victory over North Adelaide in the previous meeting between the two teams in Round Seven. In a frantic final quarter, Jarryd Lyons slotted the only goal of the term to help Adelaide claim a memorable four-point win in wet conditions at Prospect Oval.
2. Three of the past four contests between the two teams have been cliffhangers decided by four points or less.
3. Adelaide’s inaugural SANFL match was against North Adelaide at Prospect Oval in the opening round of the 2014 season. The Roosters won by 47 points. Development player Tyson Davis-Neale booted three goals for Adelaide while Cam Ellis-Yolmen was the Crows’ leading ball-winner with 28 possessions.
4. Both teams have lost three of their past four games. Adelaide suffered a heavy 55-point loss to Central District last weekend while North Adelaide was defeated by West Adelaide by four points before the Roosters’ Round 13 bye.
5. Adelaide booted its best SANFL score against the Roosters in Round 14 last season. The SANFL Crows kicked 25.10 (160) to run out 101-point winners in the Club’s second-biggest victory at SANFL level. Adelaide’s 12-goal third term was also its highest-scoring quarter ever in the SANFL.
6. Former Melbourne Demon Jordie McKenzie has been a valuable recruit for the Roosters this season. The tough midfielder leads the SANFL in disposals (305), is second in the competition for contested possessions (148) and ranks inside the top 10 for hard-ball gets, clearances and tackles.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Harrison Wigg
The ex-Rooster always seems to step up a gear when facing his former club. Wigg willed himself at everything last time the two teams met in Round Seven to amass a match-high 25 possessions, including 13 contested, along with four clearances and four tackles. Wigg also slotted two goals from 15 disposals in Round 14 last year against the Roosters and will be hunting another huge performance at his former home on Saturday afternoon.
