SUMMARY
After completing the biggest comeback in its history last weekend against the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda will march into Adelaide brimming with confidence. The Crows have lost another star midfielder, too, with Rory Sloane joining Richard Douglas on the sidelines. But with Eddie Betts in the form of his career and Taylor Walker taking hangers deep in attack, Adelaide would like its chances of ending any thought of a second consecutive win for the Saints. The Crows still aren't playing to the best of their ability, though, and coach Phil Walsh would love to see a clinical performance at home.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday May 16, 1.15pm ACST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2014, Adelaide 22.9 (141) d St Kilda 9.8 (62) at Adelaide Oval
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Rory Sloane was the star for the Crows the last time these sides met, winning three Brownlow votes for his 30 disposals, nine marks and three goals. Brodie Smith had 34 touches and Eddie Betts kicked five goals.
2. Adelaide is ranked second for inside 50s this year, averaging 59.5 a game. In contrast, the Saints are ranked equal 14th with 47.8 a game.
3. Saints on-baller David Armitage is the number one ranked player in 2015 for disposals with 201 and in the last two weeks he has had a total of 80. The Crows top ranked player is Patrick Dangerfield, who is equal 42nd overall.
4. Adelaide is the number two side for clearances in 2015 averaging 43.2 a game while the Saints are, ranked 14th with 36.2 per game.
5. The Crows have dominated St Kilda recently, winning their past four encounters and six of the last seven; they won the two games in 2014 by a combined 165 points after kicking 42 goals to 16.
6. Patrick Dangerfield continues to fall down the Official AFL Player Ratings and is now ranked seventh. That's still miles ahead of the best-ranked St Kilda player, David Armitage at No. 51.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR
Patrick Dangerfield. With Sloane sidelined, Dangerfield will have to lift to pick up the slack in Adelaide's midfield. He's been good this year without being outstanding – but against a fired up St Kilda outfit the Crows will be looking for a monster Dangerfield performance.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 29 points
