SUMMARY
Adelaide's eight-game winning streak is over, but the Crows have the perfect chance to bounce back against the lowly Bombers. With just one top-eight opponent in their last five games, a place in the top four is well and truly within the Crows' reach. Their midfield will be desperate for an improved performance, while their potent forward line was kept to their lowest score of the season by an impressive Geelong defence. The under-strength Bombers have been courageous this season, but look destined for the wooden spoon after last weekend's loss to the Brisbane Lions. Essendon has at times been able to compete with the elite teams in the competition for a quarter or two, but will need a complete four-quarter effort if they're any chance of springing the upset of the season.
Tex Walker and Eddie Betts will be looking to bounce back this week. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday, July 31, 4.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2015, Adelaide Crows 27.9 (171) d Essendon 8.11 (59) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2014, Essendon 15.11 (101) d Adelaide Crows 14.8 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2013, Essendon 18.9 (117) d Adelaide Crows 11.16 (82) at AAMI Stadium
R19, 2012, Adelaide Crows 16.8 (104) d Essendon 15.10 (100) at AAMI Stadium
R17, 2011, Essendon 12.12 (84) d Adelaide Crows 10.13 (73) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these teams last met, Essendon led by six points at the first change. The Crows then kicked 24 goals to four in the next three quarters, including 11 in the last. Eddie Betts kicked five goals.
2. Adelaide is ranked equal first for centre clearances after 17 games with 14 per game, while Essendon is 17th at 11.4 per game.
3. Adelaide and Essendon will meet for the 35th time with the Bombers holding a narrow advantage with 18 wins to 16. Both teams have won three times since 2010.
4. It will be a contest between one of the highest scoring teams and the lowest. Adelaide is ranked second for points per game with 108 and the Bombers are 18th with only 65 points per game.
5. At Adelaide Oval, the Crows have been impressive this season winning seven of eight matches. Essendon has a 50 per cent win-loss record at the venue.
6. Adelaide forward Tom Lynch continues to soar up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Lynch has hit a career-high 44th overall after starting the year ranked 176th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Eddie Betts.
Adelaide's electric small forward was restricted to just one goal against Geelong last weekend and had a minimal impact on the contest. The next three weeks against Essendon, the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle are a great chance for the competition's premier goal-sneak to regain his trademark match-winning form ahead of the finals.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 70 points
