HOMETOWN Adelaide kicks off Gather Round on Thursday night with a huge clash against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval.
The Crows are one of five clubs still searching for a breakthrough victory to kickstart their 2024 campaign but it won't be easy against the in-form Melbourne, who is among six teams sitting on three wins.
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After so much hype across the pre-season, it really is now or never for Adelaide (0-3) with three consecutive defeats putting its hopes of returning to finals on the brink of collapse.
Playing their feature round match on home turf might give the Crows a much-needed boost, but the Demons showed last week against the Port Adelaide that they have few fears of running out on Adelaide Oval.
Melbourne (3-1) found a way to get over the line even with the Power in control for long periods in their round three clash.
Adelaide v Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, 7.10pm ACDT
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Sam Berry
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin
The Demons will be buoyed by their forward group firing, especially with Ben Brown booting three critical goals against the Power as they take on a Crows outfit with issues at both ends.
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Adelaide has swung the axe, with James Borlase, Lachlan Sholl and Luke Pedlar dropped and Lachlan Murphy and Wayne Milera out with knee injuries.
Jordon Butts, Patrick Parnell, Brayden Cook, Sam Berry and Luke Nankervis come into the side.
Melbourne has made just one change, with star defender Steven May replacing Marty Hore (thumb).
