SUMMARY
Carlton will be hoping to finish a sorry season with a rare victory when it meets Adelaide in its final home and away game for the year. Neither side can make finals, but both sides have shown improvement in recent weeks. The Crows have won four of their last six games, while the Blues have been competitive in patches over the last fortnight. Matt Crouch has enjoyed a stellar run, with his individual battle against Patrick Cripps likely to be one of the game's highlights. Mitch McGovern and Josh Jenkins were among the goals the last time these two sides met back in round seven, with Carlton's young defensive duo in Caleb Marchbank and Jacob Weitering likely to have their hands full dealing with the pair again this weekend. Carlton fans will be desperate to see a third win for the year, but expect Adelaide to have too much depth through the midfield.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 25, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd7, 2018: Adelaide 19.11 (125) d Carlton 10.10 (70) at the Adelaide Oval
R15, 2017: Adelaide 13.11 (89) d Carlton 12.5 (77) at the MCG
Rd16, 2016: Adelaide 16.11 (107) d Carlton 7.5 (47) at the MCG
Rd10, 2015: Adelaide 14.15 (99) d Carlton 14.6 (90) at the MCG
Rd10, 2014: Carlton 12.9 (81) d Adelaide 10.16 (76) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Adelaide has dominated Carlton recently, winning the last four matches between the two clubs. Two of those wins have been by more than 50 points.
2. Carlton is last for inside 50s this season, 17th for marks inside 50 and 17th for goals per game. They haven't scored more than 100 points in a single game all season.
3. The two teams have played four times previously at Etihad Stadium, with Adelaide winning three of those. Carlton is winless from seven games this year at Etihad Stadium.
4. Another loss for the Blues and it will be their lowest win tally in a season in more than 100 years. The last time they won just two games in a season was all the way back in 1901.
5. Mitch McGovern booted five goals against the Blues in round seven, with the Crows easing to a comfortable 55-point win at the Adelaide Oval.
6. It's been an impressive season for young Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow, who has now moved to fifth for all first-year players in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
After an injury-interrupted start to the year, the Matt Crouch will be aiming for his 10th straight 30-possession game when he comes up against Carlton this weekend. An All Australian last year, Crouch continues to be one of the game's most prolific on-ballers. He broke the record for the most handballs in a single game last Sunday, having 35 for the match, and could hurt a young Blues midfield this weekend.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 19 points
