Adelaide is clinging to its spot in the top eight and must win this match if it's serious about playing in September. The Crows were more than competitive against premier Hawthorn last week before a final term fade-out cost them any chance of victory. Conversely, the Lions were horrible against the Western Bulldogs, conceding nine final quarter goals to lose by 72 points. Their team is slowly starting to take shape after a nightmare run of injuries and the Lions are generally a much better team at the Gabba, but with so much on the line, Adelaide should get the job done here.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday, June 27, 4.35pm
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2014, Adelaide 25.18 (168) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
R2, 2013, Adelaide 14.12 (96) d Brisbane Lions 10.17 (77) at the Gabba
R21, 2012, Brisbane Lions 13.17 (95) d Adelaide 12.13 (85) at the Gabba
R20, 2011, Adelaide 16.14 (110) d Brisbane Lions 16.9 (105) at the Gabba
R10, 2011, Brisbane Lions 15.11 (101) d Adelaide 8.13 (61) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Taylor Walker booted six goals and Rory Sloane was best on ground earning the three Brownlow votes with 28 possessions, two goals and 11 tackles in the Crows' big win over the Lions in 2014.
2. Adelaide is the number one clearance team in 2015, averaging 43.4 a game, while the Lions are equal 10th with 38.9 a game.
3. The Crows hold a slight edge in head-to-head contests, leading 19-17, but the Lions lead 11-10 in matches at the Gabba. Adelaide has won nine of its past 10 in Queensland.
4. The Lions continue to struggle to take the ball inside 50 in 2015, ranked 16th averaging 45.1 a game, while the Crows are ranked third with 55.4 a game.
5. The Lions have also struggled for contested marks, ranked last with just 8.3 a game, compared to Adelaide's 10.5, which ranks it equal eighth.
6. Three of the game's top-15 players will be on show according to the Official AFL Player Ratings, with Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield (third) and Rory Sloane (fifth) battling against Lion Dayne Beams (14th).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Daniel Rich. Following last week's loss against the Bulldogs, Lions coach Justin Leppitsch questioned the output of his leaders, with Rich right in the gun. The vice-captain had a lowly 12 disposals and is averaging just 15 a game over his past six matches. Rich is a game-winner and needs to produce more for the Lions to win.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 24 points
