SUMMARY
The Crows are flying high on the back of a four-game winning streak and their superb last quarter comeback victory against West Coast in Perth. Suddenly, a top-four finish looks like a distinct possibility if the Crows can hit the ground running after the bye. Rory Sloane is in career-best form, defender Rory Laird is pushing his claims for All Australian selection and the forward line trio of Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins and Taylor Walker is hard to stop. But the Crows can't take a desperate North Melbourne side for granted. After winning nine on the trot to start the season, the Kangaroos are in strife having lost in three of their past four matches. This is a crucial game for the visitors if they're to stop their slide down the ladder.
The Crows' forwards are in perfect sync and will need to be shut down. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Thursday, June 23, 7.20pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2016: North Melbourne 16.11 (107) d Adelaide Crows 14.13 (97) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2015: Adelaide Crows 21.14 (140) d North Melbourne 9.9 (63) at Adelaide Oval
R22, 2014: North Melbourne 14.17 (101) d Adelaide Crows 13.16 (94) at Blundstone Arena
R13, 2014: Adelaide Crows 16.13 (109) d North Melbourne 10.13 (73) at Adelaide Oval
R20, 2013: Adelaide Crows 11.13 (79) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round one, the Crows led by 18 points at half-time and a single point at three-quarter time before the Kangaroos ran out 10-point winners. Jarrad Waite and Brent Harvey kicked three goals each, while Josh Jenkins booted five goals for the Crows.
2. The Crows are the highest-scoring side this season, averaging 16.8 goals per game. North Melbourne is sixth, with 14.5 goals per game.
3. Adelaide and North Melbourne meet for the 40th time with the Crows holding a narrow advantage, winning 20 games to 19. Since 2012, its 4-3 in the Crows' favour.
4. Adelaide's midfielders and forwards have done a great job getting the ball inside the forward 50 this season. The Crows are equal-third for inside 50s with 56.5 per game and fourth for marks inside 50. In contrast, the Kangaroos are 10th and eighth respectively in those areas.
5. North Melbourne will attempt to break through for its first win at Adelaide Oval in three attempts. But the Crows are close to unbeatable at the venue, having won 10 of their past 11 games at home, with three wins by more than 50 points.
6. Adelaide forward Tom Lynch is climbing up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Lynch has improved more than 100 places from the end of last season, going from No.176 to 72nd ahead of round 14.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Lindsay Thomas.
After the explosive claims from Brad Scott followed by the immediate retraction, you can bet Thomas will be watched closely to see if he's deliberately drawing free kicks. The key for Thomas will be shutting it out and converting on the scoreboard.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 6 points
