SUMMARY
Finals contenders Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens will both be looking to rebound after shock losses last week. The SANFL Crows gave up an early lead to fall to Glenelg, while the Eagles were thumped by a resurgent Port Adelaide off the back of a goalless opening term. A win would keep Adelaide well in the hunt for the elusive double chance, while victory for Woodville-West Torrens could see the Eagles claim top spot if Sturt slips up against reigning premiers West Adelaide. Woodville-West Torrens boasts a well-balanced side which is strong defensively, potent in attack and deep through the midfield. Heath Younie’s men will need to be at their best to match it with the team many consider to be this year’s flag favourites.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Adelaide: 3
Woodville-West Torrens: 2
WHERE AND WHEN: Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval, Saturday, July 23, 2.10pm ACST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, Woodville-West Torrens 8.5 (53) d by Adelaide 14.12 (96) at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval
R17, 2015, Woodville-West Torrens 10.7 (67) d Adelaide 10.3 (63) at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval
R10, 2015, Woodville-West Torrens 14.11 (95) d Adelaide 12.10 (82) at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval
R15, 2014, Woodville-West Torrens 7.8 (50) d by Adelaide 17.16 (118) at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval
R9, 2014, Woodville-West Torrens 9.9 (63) d by Adelaide 16.15 (111) at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The SANFL Crows were the last team to defeat Woodville-West Torrens back in Round Three before the Eagles were downed by Port Adelaide at Alberton last weekend.
2. Woodville-West Torrens is the best defensive team in the SANFL, conceding just over 60 points per game on average.
3. Several former Crows are likely to line up for the Eagles this weekend. Magarey Medal fancy Jared Petrenko, defender Luke Thompson and ex-Crows rookie Jake von Bertouch could all confront their former club on Saturday. Eagles coach Michael Godden was also drafted by Adelaide in 1992.
4. Both the Crows and Eagles play a high-possession brand of football. Woodville-West Torrens is No.1 in the SANFL for total disposals, while Adelaide is ranked third.
5. Saturday’s game will be Adelaide’s 50th SANFL match.
6. Three Eagles lead the League in uncontested possessions. Veteran Woodville-West Torrens midfielder James Boyd is ranked No.1 in the SANFL in the statistic (272) ahead of teammates Jarred Allmond (250) and Chris Hall (249). Mitch Grigg is Adelaide’s top-ranked uncontested ball-winner, ranked No.11.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Adelaide’s defence
Injuries have left Adelaide’s SANFL backline stretched in recent weeks, with leaders Andy Otten (thumb) and Nathan van Berlo (foot) joining Sam Shaw (concussion) on the sidelines. SANFL captain Luke Carey was the latest victim in Sunday’s loss to Glenelg after being helped from the field with an ankle injury. The Eagles boast arguably the SANFL’s most intimidating attack with three-time Ken Farmer Medallist Michael Wundke, 197cm forward Andrew Ainger and the dangerous Lachie McGregor all in good goalkicking form. Young Crows Jake Kelly, Tom Doedee and rookie Alex Keath will need to be on their game if Adelaide is to tame the Eagles’ flying forwards this weekend.
