ADELAIDE'S season is unravelling and it now faces Sydney for the first time since the controversial ending to their match late last year, with the two sides taking vastly different paths since then.

The Crows' finals hopes are on the brink of collapse after failing to win either of their back-to-back matches against sides around the same mark in the Tigers and Hawks.

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The Crows have next to no margin for error as they sit three wins outside the top eight and in 15th place, but must find a way to stun the high-flying Swans that broke their hearts in controversial fashion late last year.  

Sydney brushed aside its latest challenger in Geelong, even after giving up a six-goal lead. The Swans' midfield, including ruck recruit Brodie Grundy, was the key to the 65-point turnaround but with their defensive and forward groups also firing.

It appears that only complacency against an opponent looking for a dose of revenge might prevent a ninth win on the trot.

The high-flying Swans are unchanged for the clash, with Adelaide bringing back Izak Rankine among three inclusions. Brodie Smith, a member of the Crows' leadership group, has been dropped.

Adelaide v Sydney at Adelaide Oval, 7pm ACST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Sam Berry
Sydney: Matt Roberts

Richmond v Hawthorn at the MCG, 4.35pm AEST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Kane McAuliffe
Hawthorn: Luke Breust

TIGERS v HAWKS Full match coverage and stats

Western Bulldogs v Fremantle at Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEST

LATE CHANGE
Fremantle: Heath Chapman (hamstring awareness) replaced in selected side by Karl Worner

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Caleb Daniel
Fremantle: Matthew Johnson

BULLDOGS v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats