SUMMARY
Adelaide's opening month has been outstanding, with three impressive wins and a tight opening round loss to North Melbourne that looks more credible by the week. But this is where we learn whether Don Pyke's men are not only top four candidates (they probably are already) but in the discussion for the premiership, because beating Hawthorn on the MCG remains one of the toughest tasks in the game. Adelaide's powerful forward line will test the Hawks, but the game will be won in the midfield and somehow the Crows will need to put the clamps on the rampant Sam Mitchell. Hawthorn has had a down fortnight, yet keeps on winning and will surely lift to honour Shaun Burgoyne, who plays his 300th game.
Eddie Betts is crucial to the Crows' chances of toppling the Hawks. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday, April 22, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
2SF, 2015, Hawthorn 21.9 (135) d Adelaide 8.13 (61) at the MCG
R12, 2015 Hawthorn 17.12 (114) d Adelaide 12.13 (85) at Adelaide Oval
R17 2014, Hawthorn 15.14 (104) d Adelaide 14.8 (92) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2013, Hawthorn 13.11 (89) d Adelaide 11.12 (78) at AAMI Stadium
1PF, 2012, Hawthorn 13.19 (97) d Adelaide 14.8 (92) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Hawks big guns were the difference when the sides last played in an MCG semi-final. Luke Bruest kicked a career-high six goals, Luke Hodge booted four, Sam Mitchell had 33 disposals while at the other end, Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker managed only one goal between them.
2. Adelaide is the No.1 centre clearance side so far in 2016, averaging 16.3 per game thanks to Sam Jacobs being ranked equal fourth in hit-outs. Hawthorn has struggled in centre clearances, ranked 15th.
3. Hawthorn has dominated Adelaide over a long period of time winning the past six matches and seven of the last eight. The Crows' last win was in round one, 2011.
4. The Crows are the second-highest scoring team so far in 2016 averaging 121 points per game, while Hawthorn’s scoring has dropped off in 2016 averaging 91 points per game compared to 109 in 2015.
5. The Hawks are the number one tackling side in 2016 so far averaging 81.3 per game; the Crows are ranked 11th with 65 per game.
6. The Crows' gun midfielder Rory Sloane is the sixth ranked player in the competition with 595.7 points according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Eddie Betts
Adelaide's pocket dynamo lorded over most of the AFL last season, but his two worst outings for the year came against Hawthorn's Ben Stratton, who handled him comfortably. Betts needs to turn the tables here.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 10 points
