SUMMARY
This might have looked a dour match on the fixture a month ago, but not anymore. After being competitive for much of the season but struggling to win games, the Lions have strung together three successive wins, capped off by a commanding victory over Hawthorn in Launceston last weekend. The young brigade has been on fire, led by 20-year-old forward Eric Hipwood, midfield tyros Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry, and the swagger of No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner, who kicked three goals against the Hawks. With many of its best players recently back from injury, Adelaide is again in the top-eight hunt after defeating Geelong in its last start. Rory Sloane's contract extension seemed to give the Crows some impetus and re-established a midfield that was one of the best in the AFL last year. Skipper Taylor Walker's absence through suspension will hurt, but with a sniff of finals in their nostrils, the Crows might just sneak home here, but nothing the Lions do would surprise any more.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday, July 21, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R9, 2017, Adelaide 21.14 (140) d Brisbane Lions 7.18 (60) at the Gabba
R20, 2016, Adelaide 27.15 (177) d Brisbane Lions 6.3 (39) at Adelaide Oval
R21, 2015, Adelaide 20.11 (131) d Brisbane Lions 6.8 (44) at Adelaide Oval
R13, 2015, Adelaide 11.16 (82) d Brisbane Lions 10.9 (69) at the Gabba
R20, 2014, Adelaide 25.18 (168) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Crows had the game won by half-time when they last played, leading by 30 points, and then booting 11 goals to three after the main break. Rory Laird was best on ground with 37 disposals.
2. Brisbane is one of the competition's in-form teams in recent weeks winning three straight games, averaging 112 points and conceding just 61 a game.
3. Adelaide has dominated Brisbane over a long time, winning the past six matches, including two by more than 100 points. The Crows also hold a 12-11 advantage in matches at the Gabba.
4. The Crows are one of the most prolific kicking teams, ranked in the top five with 222.8 a game. Brisbane is mid-table with an average of 214.8.
5. If Brisbane is to win it will need to do something it hasn’t achieved since the opening four weeks of the 2010 season - win four consecutive games.
6. Dayne Beams continued his stellar season last week with 33 disposals and has moved up to 80th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Following an injury-ravaged period, Beams was ranked 388th in the corresponding round last season.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
With his captain and forward sidekick Taylor Walker suspended, it's imperative Josh Jenkins is a focal point and takes control of the Crows' forward 50. Brisbane's defence has been clicking in recent weeks despite the absence of Harris Andrews, and a big night from Jenkins would make things a lot easier for the visitors.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 15 points
