SUMMARY
And so Adelaide is back to where it all began…well, almost. The Crows started their AFL history with a clash against Hawthorn back in 1991, although it was played at Football Park not Adelaide Oval. The home side started as huge underdogs but upset that season's eventual premiers by a whopping 86 points. It's too hard to see a similar result on Thursday night, but with the Hawks looking to find consistency through strong performance and the Crows hoping to ensure the anniversary is something to celebrate, fans are setting themselves for an engrossing game.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Thursday June 18, 7.20pm (ACST)
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2014, Hawthorn 15.14 (104) d Adelaide 14.8 (92) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2013, Hawthorn 13.11 (89) d Adelaide 11.12 (78) at AAMI Stadium
1PF, 2012, Hawthorn 13.19 (97) d Adelaide 14.8 (92) at the MCG
R3, 2012, Hawthorn 21.14 (140) d Adelaide 12.12 (84) at the MCG
R1, 2011, Adelaide 16.9 (105) d Hawthorn 12.13 (85) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Hawks have one of the best defences in 2015, ranked second for points conceded (70.5 a game); the Crows are ranked sixth conceding 83.8 points a game.
2. Despite his team losing the game in 2014, Patrick Dangerfield was the star and earned three Brownlow votes for collecting 41 disposals and six tackles. Jack Gunston booted four goals for the Hawks and Luke Hodge had 26 touches to pick up two votes.
3. This is the 36th meeting between the sides and Adelaide holds a narrow advantage, winning 18 games to 17; the Hawks have won the past four and five of the last six.
4. The Hawks travel to Adelaide Oval for the fourth time and have won only once - against Adelaide last season. They lost to Port Adelaide at the venue earlier this season.
5. Hawthorn continues to be the No.1 team for disposals, averaging 401.3 a game, while Adelaide is equal seventh with 364.9 a game.
6. Despite Hawthorn's recent success the club doesn't have a player ranked inside the top 10 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Jarryd Roughead is the side's best at No. 15.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR: Rory Sloane
The star midfielder will be better for his run against Carlton before the club's bye, having returned from a fractured cheekbone. It allowed him to again taste the speed of the game and after re-signing this week he'd be keen to hit peak form.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 15 points
