ADELAIDE could have its best shot of recording its first win of 2020 in Tuesday's early evening clash against fellow struggler Hawthorn.

The 5.10pm ACST game is a Hawks home game, but is being played at Adelaide Oval. Also aiding the Crows' chances is the return of midfield star Brad Crouch.

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The Crows have not won since their 22-point victory over St Kilda in round 20 last season, making it 16 consecutive losses.

Thirteen of those losses have been under first-year coach Matthew Nicks, and the schedule doesn't get easier with matches against Greater Western Sydney, Carlton and Richmond to come.

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Adelaide has already surpassed its previous record of nine-straight losing games and could potentially record its most losses in a year, surpassing the 15 it recorded in 2011.

If the Crows go without a win this season, they'll be the first team since Fitzroy in 1964 to do so.

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Fitzroy lost 27 consecutive games stretching from round 11, 1963 to round 2, 1965 when the Lions pulled off a four-point win over the Bulldogs.

ROUNDS 15-18 Check out the full fixture

There's been 13 winless seasons in VFL/AFL history, with St Kilda leading the way with four occurrences from 1897-1902.

North Melbourne are next with three winless seasons, although they did record one draw and 17 losses in 1926.