SUMMARYThe reigning premiers are in awesome form as the midway point of the season approaches. Placed third on the ladder and with former Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett yet to be unleashed, they're well placed to defend their title. The Crows are precariously positioned outside the eight, having failed to prove themselves against any top-eight side this year. They'll face the ultimate test this weekend though and we'll find out: is Adelaide a finals threat?
WHERE AND WHEN: AAMI Stadium, Saturday June 8, 4.10pm (ACST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
2QF, 2012, Sydney 11.5 (71) d Adelaide 5.12 (42) at AAMI Stadium
R6, 2012, Adelaide 15.9 (99) d Sydney 14.10 (94) at the SCG
R15, 2011, Adelaide 8.9 (57) d Sydney 6.14 (50) at AAMI Stadium
R2, 2010, Sydney 18.10 (118) d Adelaide 11.9 (75) at AAMI Stadium
R13, 2009, Adelaide 12.13 (85) d Sydney 10.9 (69) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Sydney Swans are the number one clearance side in the competition, helped in part by the dominance of their ruckmen who have managed more hit-outs than anyone else.
2. Poor tackling continues to be an annoyance for Crows coach Brenton Sanderson. His side is ranked 14th for tackles in 2013, while the Swans are the best in the business.
3. Scoring is usually pretty low between these two sides, in fact only once in the last seven meetings has a team kicked more than 100 points. That was the Swans in round two, 2010.
4. The Swans love flying south; they've won four of their last five games at AAMI Stadium, including last year's qualifying final by 29 points.
5. Adam Goodes is in frightening form and will enter this match on the back of two superb performances. The 33-year-old is still the second best forward in the game according to the Official AFL Player Ratings and is ranked the 17th best player in the League.
6. After narrowly missing out on a Grand Final berth last season, Adelaide has failed to beat a higher-ranked team in 2013, losing to Essendon, Carlton, Hawthorn and Fremantle.
