Head to head: Essendon 15 wins, Adelaide 13 wins
Last time: Adelaide 26.10 (166) d Essendon 10.10 (70), elimination final, 2009 at AAMI Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
Adelaide
Nathan Bock (adductor) - test
Brett Burton (knee) - TBC
James Craig (hamstring) - indefinite
Trent Hentschel (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
Chris Knights (foot) - indefinite
David Mackay (ankle) - TBC
Andrew McLeod (knee) - TBC
Brad Moran (knee) - indefinite
Andy Otten (knee) - season
Sam Shaw (back) - 2 weeks
James Sellar (knee) - 2-3 weeks
Daniel Talia (knee) - season
Will Young (knee) - 2-3 weeks
Essendon
David Hille (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
Jason Laycock (foot) - season
Angus Monfries (hamstring) - test
Tayte Pears (pancreas) - TBC
FORM
Adelaide: WLWLW
Essendon: WWLLL
SUMMARY
Just four points separate these two sides on the AFL ladder, but the prize on the end of this game for the respective teams couldn’t be more contrasting.
Essendon is fighting to keep touch with the top eight after three straight losses, while the 14th-placed Crows have little but pride to play for.
Essendon is fighting to keep touch with the top eight after three straight losses, while the 14th-placed Crows have little but pride to play for.
Adelaide has enjoyed a good recent record against the Bombers, having won eight of the last 11 games played between the two teams.
The Crows have rediscovered some form over the last six weeks, but are yet to record consecutive wins in 2010.
The Bombers have endured a tough recent run, losing to prospective finalists Geelong, Hawthorn and the Sydney Swans and coach Matthew Knights has declared Saturday night’s clash with Adelaide to be the start of a make-or-break month for the club.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Graham Johncock has emerged as one of the most dangerous players in the Adelaide line-up in recent weeks, with both Hawthorn and Melbourne opting to tag the rebounding defender. Johncock was well held by Hawks forward Beau Muston in round 12, but brushed aside Lynden Dunn last weekend to finish with 32 disposals and a goal. With Nathan Bock and Andrew McLeod out of the side, the Crows look for Johncock wherever possible and it’s likely Angus Monfries could go to him this week.
Essendon ball magnet Brent Stanton has struggled to cope with a tight tag this season, but the improved form of Jobe Watson and Jason Winderlich could see him overlooked on the Crows match-up board this week. Brent Reilly has been serviceable in his role as Adelaide’s premier tagger, but doesn’t instil the same fear in opposition players as some of the super stoppers in the competition and the Bombers will no doubt back their onball brigade to get on top.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Crows reproduce their impressive form of last week? Adelaide was switched on from the word go in its 44-point demolition of the Dees on Sunday, but needs to repeat the performance to convince the football world the club can salvage something from a nightmarish season.
Can the Bombers notch up their first win outside Melbourne this year? Essendon hasn’t beaten the Crows at AAMI Stadium since round 1, 2007, and has failed in both of its interstate attempts (against the Swans and West Coast) this season.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
It all depends on which Adelaide team shows up on Saturday night.
The committed Crows of last weekend have what it takes to beat the Bombers, but if the hosts dish up a performance similar to that of the one against Hawthorn three weeks ago they stand little chance.
Essendon has everything to play for, but you get the feeling Adelaide might derail a handful of finals aspirants over the next nine weeks.
PREDICTION
Adelaide by 20 points
Chat with host Katrina Gill and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 7.10pm Friday or join the conversation on Twitter: #aflcrowsbombers
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
