ADELAIDE'S inconsistency throughout 2014 has seen the club continually fumble its destiny, leaving it stranded in a complicated predicament to make the top eight. Assuming Collingwood and Richmond lose to Hawthorn and the Sydney Swans respectively, the Crows will need to beat St Kilda by enough to ensure their percentage is superior to the winner out of West Coast and Gold Coast. Regardless of whether the Saints travel to Adelaide for a dead rubber, both sides require a strong showing to carry hope into their pre-seasons. The Saints fought late last week against Richmond, but that fight needs to come earlier this weekend if they’re to avoid a wooden spoon.

WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday August 31, 2.50pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide 

LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2014, Adelaide 20.16 (136) d St Kilda 7.8 (50) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2013, Adelaide 12.15 (87) d St Kilda 6.11 (47) at AAMI Stadium
R12, 2012, Adelaide 17.13 (115) d St Kilda 16.15 (111) at AAMI Stadium
R18, 2011, St Kilda 19.13 (127) d Adelaide 3.6 (24) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2011, Adelaide 13.12 (90) d St Kilda 9.17 (71) at AAMI Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite its mixed form, Adelaide remains the best centre clearance side in 2014, averaging 14.1 a game thanks largely to Sam Jacobs in the ruck who is ranked fourth for hit-outs this season.

2. The Crows dominated the Saints in round four, winning the disposals 421-337, marks 127-79, tackles 67-57 and had 21 more scoring shots.

3. With just four wins, St Kilda is on track for its worst season since 2001 and its first wooden spoon since 2000, when it won just two games.

4. St Kilda travels to Adelaide Oval for the second time this season after losing to Port Adelaide in round 12 by 70 points. The Saints are winless from six interstate matches in 2014.

5. Adelaide has taken more contested marks in 2014 than any other side, averaging 11.4 a game. In contrast, St Kilda is ranked 12th having averaged just 9.4 a game.

6. Star Crow Eddie Betts has snuck into the top five small-medium forwards according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. Betts has booted 46 goals for Adelaide in 2014.