Head to head: Adelaide 18 wins, Melbourne nine wins, no draws
Last time: Adelaide 7.9 (51) d Melbourne 4.10 (34), round five, 2009 at the MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Melbourne
Daniel Bell (shoulder) - 3 weeks
Max Gawn (knee) - indefinite
Neville Jetta (groin) - 1-2 weeks
Liam Jurrah (shoulder) - 12 weeks
John Meesen (ankle) - indefinite
Cale Morton (knee) - 5 weeks
Jared Rivers (knee) - test
Colin Sylvia (jaw) - test
Luke Tapscott (hip) - indefinite
Austin Wonaeamirri (hamstring) - 2 weeks
Adelaide
Simon Goodwin (corked knee) - test
Graham Johncock (thumb) - 1-2 weeks
Brodie Martin (knee) - indefinite
Brad Moran (knee) - indefinite
Andy Otten (knee) - season
James Sellar (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
Sam Shaw (shin) - 3-4 weeks
Rory Sloane (ankle) - 5-6 weeks
Scott Stevens (concussion) - test
Brad Symes (knee) - indefinite
FORM
Melbourne: LL
Adelaide: LL
SUMMARY
Barring a draw, one of these sides will end their winless start to the season.
And based on Melbourne's ability to push Collingwood last round, this home clash against Adelaide is suddenly very intriguing.
The Demons had a first-round shocker against Hawthorn, but bounced back to lead the Magpies for most of the day - only to lose by the smallest of margins.
Ricky Petterd, his side's best player in the game, booted four goals and had four scoring assists but had his marking attempt in the goal square spoiled on the final siren.
Adelaide suffered several injuries during the pre-season and has convincingly lost its opening two games to sides that didn't make the finals in 2009 - Fremantle and the Sydney Swans.
Despite a fine five-goal performance from Patrick Dangerfield, the Crows were unable to record their seventh straight win over the Swans.
Despite a fine five-goal performance from Patrick Dangerfield, the Crows were unable to record their seventh straight win over the Swans.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Key forward Michael Newton was promoted off the rookie list in place of the injured Luke Tapscott. He won a call-up last round and showed some encouraging signs without starring. He kicked the first goal against the Pies and has the opportunity to build on that, given the Demons' lack of tall options in attack.
Jason Porplyzia returned in round two after a pre-season pelvic injury. Crucial to Adelaide's fortunes, the forward didn't manage a goal against the Swans, but expect him to get better with greater game time and match fitness.
QUESTION MARKS
What will Melbourne deliver this round after a gutsy effort last weekend? It's an important week for the Demons.
How will Adelaide cope if it falls to Melbourne? It could be tough to resurrect its season from there. Although the injury-hit and vulnerable Crows are favourites with the bookies, the Demons will fancy their chances.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Make no mistake, the Demons are a genuine chance of overcoming the Crows but the overall talent and depth of the more experienced Adelaide should still carry the day. Don't be surprised to witness a see-sawing encounter for much of the day though.
PREDICTION
Adelaide by 17 points
Follow Matt Burgan's inside view of Melbourne v Adelaide at #afldemonscrows on Twitter.com from 1.10pm Sunday or @AFL_MattBurgan#afldemonscrows
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
