The first ever Saturday twilight match at the Gabba pits two of the most disappointing round one teams against one another. After missing the Grand Final last year by less than a kick, Adelaide was handed a home loss by Essendon first up, while the pre-season champion Lions were thrashed by 68 points by the Western Bulldogs. Both midfields were heavily criticised for a lack of pressure, so the battle between Thompson, Dangerfield, van Berlo, Sloane and Vince against Rich, Moloney, Redden and Rockliff should be fascinating. Both teams will be desperate - a 0-2 start would be an early season headache they could do without.
WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Saturday April 6, 3.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2012, Brisbane 13.17 (95) d Adelaide 12.13 (85) at the Gabba
R20, 2011, Adelaide 16.14 (110) d Brisbane 16.9 (105) at the Gabba
R10, 2011, Brisbane 15.11 (101) d Adelaide 8.13 (61) at AAMI Stadium
R20, 2010, Adelaide 15.14 (104) d Brisbane 13.19 (97) at the Gabba
R9, 2010, Adelaide 13.15 (93) d Brisbane 11.15 (81) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Lions have fond memories of the last time they met Adelaide at the Gabba, reversing a 38-point deficit to win by 10 points in round 21, last season.
2. Despite the Lions winning the total possession, contested possession and tackle counts (and having more scoring shots) in round 21, the Crows slightly edged the inside-50s, 58 to 56.
3. These teams have a recent history of close encounters. The Lions have won three of the last five, with four of those matches decided by 12 points or less.
4. This will be the 35th clash between the clubs and nothing separates them – 17 wins each.
5. At the Gabba there have been 19 previous contests with the Lions holding the advantage, winning 11 games to eight.
6. In 2012 the Lions won six of their 11 matches at the Gabba, while the Crows won five of their 10 matches outside of Adelaide.
