SUMMARY
Adelaide was dealt a bitter blow ahead of Sunday's clash against Geelong, with star midfielder Rory Sloane re-fracturing the cheekbone that saw him miss three games earlier in the season. Last year's acting co-captain is one of the club's key barometers and is, ultimately, irreplaceable. It's the last thing the side needed coming up against a Cats outfit that, although fresh from a bye, would still be seething at its embarrassing loss to Melbourne at home in round 12. With the Crows on seven wins this year and the Cats on six, this is a vital clash as both teams hunt a top-eight finish.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday July 5, 2.50pm ACST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2014, Geelong 18.11 (119) d Adelaide 12.9 (81) at Simonds Stadium
R17, 2013, Adelaide 14.10 (94) d Geelong 14.8 (92) at AAMI Stadium
R18, 2012, Geelong 15.12 (102) d Adelaide 11.9 (75) at Simonds Stadium
R7, 2012, Adelaide 19.8 (122) d Geelong 10.12 (72) at AAMI Stadium
R21, 2011, Geelong 14.12 (96) d Adelaide 12.13 (85) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Crows are ranked second this season for inside 50s, averaging 55.7 a game and are ranked fourth for marks within that attacking 50.
2. Joel Selwood was best on ground with 34 possessions, two goals and six tackles in the Cats' win over the Crows early in 2014. Steve Johnson had 31 touches and Jimmy Bartel kicked four goals.
3. Geelong continues to struggle to clear the ball in 2015, ranked 17th in averaging 35.6 clearances a game. That's compared to Adelaide, which is ranked an impressive second with 43.2 a game.
4. The Cats are the No.1 team in 2015 for contested marking with an average of 11.7 a game thanks largely to Tom Hawkins, who is ranked second in the League with 27 contested grabs.
5. Geelong has played twice so far at Adelaide Oval for one win, defeating Port Adelaide in round 11, while the Crows and Cats have played 19 times in Adelaide with 14 wins to the home side.
6. These sides have three of the top five players according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. At No.4, Joel Selwood is sandwiched by Patrick Dangerfield (No. 3) and injured Crow Sloane (No. 5).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Adelaide's skipper Taylor Walker has booted 4.11 over the past month, including his 2.5 against the Brisbane Lions last weekend. He needs to find his radar if his side is to beat the Cats.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 26 points
