SUMMARY
Both clubs will be desperate to make amends for disappointing losses last weekend. The Crows – unbeaten after the first six rounds – unbelievably conceded 10 unanswered goals in the first quarter to North Melbourne at Hobart. Meanwhile, the Demons dropped a game many expected them to win in a three-point defeat to a struggling Hawthorn side. It's hard to imagine the ladder-leading Crows turning in two poor performances in a row, especially at Adelaide Oval where they have been so hard to beat. However, the Kangaroos may have unveiled the blueprint to slowing down the Crows that all other teams will now aim to replicate. The Demons will need to follow their lead and restrict the Crows' ball movement and keep their dangerous forwards under control. This is a massive test for Simon Goodwin's improving side to see if they are a genuine top-eight contender this year.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, May 13, 7.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2016, Adelaide 18.12 (120) d Melbourne 15.8 (98) at the MCG
R3, 2015, Adelaide 12.8 (80) d Melbourne 7.13 (55) at Adelaide Oval
R7, 2014, Melbourne 11.4 (70) d Adelaide 9.13 (67) at Adelaide Oval
R22, 2013, Adelaide 18.12 (120) d Melbourne 7.10 (52) at AAMI Stadium
R22, 2012, Adelaide 22.18 (150) d Melbourne 11.15 (81) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Crows booted 10 goals to five in the second half to overcome an 11-point half-time deficit to beat the Demons in round 15 last year. Eddie Betts, Richard Douglas and Taylor Walker kicked three goals each for the Crows, while Jeff Garlett booted four for the Demons.
2. The Demons have found plenty of the ball this season, ranked second in the competition in disposals with 415.3 per game. They are also second for uncontested possessions. The Crows are ranked third for disposals.
3. The Crows hold a clear advantage over the Demons, having won 23 of their 35 encounters, including four of the past five.
4. Last weekend's shock loss to North Melbourne was the first time this season the Crows have been held to less than 100 points. However, they are still the highest-scoring side in the League with 127 points per game.
5. The Demons have won two of their five games at Adelaide Oval, and have split the honours with the Crows in their two meetings at the venue.
6. Despite a quiet game by his lofty standards against the Kangaroos, Adelaide star Rory Sloane has risen to a career-high in the Schick AFL Player Rankings. Sloane is ranked No.2, behind only former teammate Patrick Dangerfield.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Taylor Walker.
The Crows skipper put the onus on his team's leaders to respond after last weekend's loss to the Kangaroos. Walker sets the tone for the Crows and it's rare for the powerful key forward to put in two bad games in a row.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 40 points.
