SUMMARY
After last weekend's hammering at the hands of the Sydney Swans, the Crows simply must respond to stay in touch with the top eight. They're faced with arguably the toughest task in football at the minute – taking down the in-form Tigers. Richmond will be high on confidence after beating Hawthorn last Friday night and another big-stage win could push it up into the top four. After a few lean weeks in front of goal Jack Riewoldt will be itching to make an impact, although gun Crows defender Daniel Talia is a tough opponent to get past.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Friday August 7, 7.20pm ACST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2014, Richmond 10.19 (79) d Adelaide 9.15 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R12, 2013, Richmond 16.14 (110) d Adelaide 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R14, 2012, Adelaide 17.4 (106) d Richmond 13.9 (87) at AAMI Stadium
R23, 2011, Richmond 17.19 (121) d Adelaide 15.9 (99) at AAMI Stadium
R18, 2010, Richmond 15.10 (100) d Adelaide 11.14 (80) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Tigers' midfield was the difference between these sides the last time they met. Brandon Ellis had 31 possessions, Brett Deledio 29, Trent Cotchin 28 and 26 to Anthony Miles. Deledio also kicked two goals.
2. The Crows are ranked third after round 18 for marks inside 50, averaging 12.9 a game. Richmond isn't far behind, ranked equal seventh with 12.6 a game.
3. This will be the 33rd meeting between the sides and Adelaide maintains a clear advantage, winning 20 games to 12, but the Tigers have won four of the past five.
4. Adelaide is the No.1 centre clearance team in 2015, averaging 14.6 a game, while Richmond has struggled and is ranked 14th at 11.1 a game.
5. The Tigers' defence continues to impress, ranked fourth for fewest points conceded at 73.8 a game; they’ve allowed 100 points in a game only twice this season.
6. Tiger Alex Rance is the best key defender in the game according to the Official AFL Player Ratings and ranked No.52 overall. Adelaide's Daniel Talia is the best at West Lakes, but is miles behind Rance at No. 283 overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Brett Deledio was awesome last week against the Hawks with four goals and 18 possessions. A repeat performance would just about see the Tigers home.
AFL.COM.AU PREDICTION: Richmond by 28 points
