SATURDAY'S blockbuster between Adelaide and Fremantle isn't just a clash of first vs second, it's also a battle of the best defence and forward line in the NAB AFLW competition.

The Crows are conceding an average of just 18.4 points per game this year, having kept their opposition to one goal or fewer in four of seven occasions.

The 49 points Adelaide conceded against the Western Bulldogs has blown out its average somewhat – its median points against is 12, well ahead of second-place Fremantle (average 20.4, median 20).

On the scoring front, Fremantle have the equal-highest average "points for" this year (along with Melbourne) of 43.1, with Adelaide sitting just behind in third (42.4).

WHAT DO THE STATS SAY?

The teams have some similarities, but also a few stark differences.

Fremantle is a clearance side, plain and simple. The team wins it out of the middle, is efficient in its ball use, and opts to go by foot rather than hand (13th for average handballs).

By contrast, Adelaide is well down in average clearances (11th) despite the individual brilliance of Ebony Marinoff, Anne Hatchard and (at times) Erin Phillips, launching the bulk of its attack out of defence with its kicking-centric game-style.

The Dockers are also fierce around the contest, leading the league in tackles – well ahead of the Crows in ninth spot.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE BATTLE OF ATTACK V DEFENCE 

Sarah Allan (Adel): The cornerstone of Adelaide's defence, the unflappable Allan is a fixture on the last line. A focused, strong player with excellent reach and ball-reading ability, she is rarely beaten in one-on-ones and often kick-starts the Crows' rebound.

Gemma Houghton (Frem): The dynamic Houghton's goalkicking radar has been slightly askew this year, but her ability to mark in dangerous positions and set up her teammates is unparalleled. As strong overhead as she is at ground level.

Chelsea Biddell (Adel): It's been a break-out year for the young Crow, having excelled over pre-season and has adapted to defence from the forward line like a duck to water. She's covered the absence of Ange Foley (ACL) beautifully, with her intercept marking a highlight.

Ebony Antonio (Frem): Ostensibly a winger, Antonio is nonetheless Fremantle's leading goalkicker this year, booting eight goals – two of which have won the Accor Goal of the Week. Has the uncanny knack of dragging Fremantle back into the contest with her snap goals, where her agility has been on show.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW IN THE BATTLE OF 1v2?

• Adelaide holds a 3-1 record over Fremantle, but the Dockers were the most recent victors, defeating the Crows in resounding style by 30 points at Norwood Oval last year.
• Given both sides' healthy percentages, this game will go some way to helping the winner lock up a top two spot and a fast-track passage to the preliminary finals
• In fact, the entire Fremantle side will be coming off a week's break, having squashed in an extra match while over in Melbourne due to state border restrictions
• Can the Crows address their goalkicking inaccuracy? They kicked 5.15 in last week's big win over GWS, and still managed to nab a win over Melbourne despite kicking 4.11

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