SUMMARY
Having pushed back into the top eight last weekend by beating Port Adelaide in Showdown XXXIX, Adelaide is desperate to build momentum as it eyes a finals birth. Scott Thompson was irresistible, which is worrying for Gold Coast considering his record in these match ups. But the Suns are a dangerous outfit when Gary Ablett is firing and that he did last weekend against Greater Western Sydney. The Crows will try to negate him as much as possible or risk having the game taken away. It's been a disastrous season for the Suns, but with an eye on 2016 there's time yet to salvage some momentum.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday July 25, 1.40pm (ACST)
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2015, Adelaide 18.11 (119) d Gold Coast 11.12 (78) at Metricon Stadium
R11, 2014, Adelaide 16.13 (109) d Gold Coast 11.11 (77) at Adelaide Oval
R14, 2013, Adelaide 16.15 (111) d Gold Coast 11.17 (83) at Metricon Stadium
R23, 2012, Adelaide 22.21 (153) d Gold Coast 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
R1, 2012, Adelaide 19.23 (137) d Gold Coast 10.8 (68) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Adelaide remains undefeated against Gold Coast and there haven’t been too many close games either; the Crows have kicked an average score of 126 points to 72 and won four times by more than 50 points.
2. Eddie Betts kicked five goals and Taylor Walker four in the Crows' win over the Suns earlier this season. Adelaide dominated total possessions with 382-345 and took 146 marks to 92.
3. The Suns average more clangers per game than any other side this season with 49.6. Adelaide is ranked fifth with 48.6 a game.
4. The Crows continue to be a high scoring side and are ranked third for average goals per game with 13. They’re also equal third for inside 50s. The Suns are 15th for goals per game with 10.4.
5. Gold Coast travels to Adelaide Oval for just the second time following its loss to the Crows in 2014. The Suns have only won in Adelaide once… their first AFL win in 2011 at AAMI Stadium.
6. Suns megastar Gary Ablett has already started climbing back up the Official AFL Player Ratings. His ridiculous performance last week helped him into sixth position and he's gaining on Robbie Gray at No. 5.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Taylor Walker
Adelaide's enigmatic forward found form in last weekend's Showdown, booting three goals and assisting in three more. That's exactly what the Crows need from their captain to consolidate their place in the top eight with a win over the Suns.
AFL.COM.AU PREDICTION: Adelaide by 26 points
