SUMMARY
The Crows kept their slim finals hopes alive with their Showdown victory over Port, but they face a huge task against the Giants who have rarely been beaten in Canberra in recent years. The amount of midfield talent on show in this clash is ridiculous, with Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward in sublime touch for the home side, and Matt Crouch, Bryce Gibbs and Rory Sloane winning plenty of footy for Adelaide. How much the always emotional Showdown took out of the Crows will be interesting to see, while in contrast, injuries hit GWS again in last week's 'training run' against the struggling Blues. Adelaide's forward line has plenty of scoring ability in Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts and Tom Lynch, but the Giants' defence is ranked third in the competition for points against, and led by Phil Davis, they've become a tough unit to crack. A loss for the Crows will end their season and keep the Giants sitting pretty in the top four, so there's a lot on the line in this one.
WHERE AND WHEN: UNSW Canberra Oval, Saturday, August 11, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R11, 2018, Giants 14.13 (97) d Adelaide 11.15 (81) at Adelaide Oval
1QF, 2017, Adelaide 12.12 (84) d Giants 6.12 (48) at Adelaide Oval
R1, 2017, Adelaide 22.15 (147) d Giants 14.7 (91) at Adelaide Oval
R10, 2016, Adelaide 15.17 (107) d Giants 13.7 (85) at Adelaide Oval
R8, 2015, Giants 16.12 (108) d Adelaide 12.12 (84) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants had fewer disposals, inside 50s and clearances earlier this season against the Crows but still won. Ryan Griffen, Jeremy Cameron and Zac Langdon kicked three goals each.
2. This will be a contest between two of the best contested possession teams this season; the Crows are ranked second averaging 155.6 per game, while the Giants are third with an average of 151.9.
3. GWS and Adelaide meet for the 11th time and the Crows have dominated winning eight games to two; the Giants are yet to win consecutive clashes with the Crows.
4. The Giants are one of the strongest defensive teams this season ranked third for least points conceded per game with 73. In contrast Adelaide has struggled giving up 85 points per game.
5. The Giants have dominated their opposition recently at UNSW Canberra Oval winning their last eight matches with three by more than 80 points. The Crows have played only once previously in Canberra in round eight, 2002 losing to North Melbourne by 17 points.
6. Giants co-captain Callan Ward has risen to a career-high 11th in the Schick AFL Player ratings, after starting the year in 30th.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Onballer Matt Crouch led the Crows with seven clearances in last week's thrilling Showdown win over Port Adelaide, and he'll need to get his hands on plenty of footy again with the Giants' midfield in stunning form.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 23 points
