SUMMARY
If the Western Bulldogs are going to get their shaky premiership defence back on track, they're going to have to take down one of the contenders for their title. The Bulldogs (7-7) look a shadow of the side that stormed through September last year, having lost three of their past four games to slip to 10th on the ladder. The second-placed Crows (10-4) are by no means in blistering form themselves despite winning four of their past six. After a brilliant start to the season, opposition teams have pushed numbers behind the ball, stopping the Crows' quick ball movement and preventing easy over-the-back goals. However, they were able to grind out a confidence boosting 12-point win against Carlton last weekend when the game wasn't played on their terms. This looms as a season-defining game for the Bulldogs.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Friday, July 7, 7.20pm ACST FOLLOW IT LIVE
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2016, Western Bulldogs 18.15 (123) d Adelaide Crows 17.6 (108) at Etihad Stadium
2EF, 2015, Adelaide Crows 16.13 (109) d Western Bulldogs 14.18 (102) at the MCG
R4, 2015, Western Bulldogs 18.17 (125) d Adelaide Crows 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2014, Adelaide Crows 13.14 (92) d Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2013, Western Bulldogs 20.11 (131) d Adelaide Crows 17.12 (114) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. This was one of the highest-scoring matches last year when the two teams squared off in round seven, 2016. The Bulldogs took the honours despite Crows forward Josh Jenkins booting a career-high eight goals.
2. For the Bulldogs to have any chance of winning, they need the game to be a low-scoring scrap. The Crows are the highest-scoring team in the competition with 114 points per game, while the Bulldogs are ranked 14th with 83.
3. History favours the Bulldogs, with 23 wins to 19 in 42 previous meetings. However, it's an even 3-3 since 2013.
4. The Bulldogs base their game on physical pressure. They are ranked No.1 in the League for tackles with 77.6 per game. The Crows are eighth (70.4).
5. If the Crows lose at home again, it will be the first time since midway through 2015 they have lost consecutive games at Adelaide Oval.
6. Crows midfielder Brad Crouch has improved 178 places in the Schick AFL Player Ratings this season, going from 399th to 221st overall. Crouch had 30 possessions and 10 tackles against the Blues last weekend.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jason Johannisen.
The reigning Norm Smith Medallist has struggled to have an impact in the past month since teams started tagging him. The attacking half-back flanker needs to find a way to be effective after having just 12 possessions against the Eagles last weekend.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 15 points.
