The line up
B: Hartigan, Talia, Doedee
HB: Mackay, Kelly, Seedsman
C: Gibson, Douglas, Atkins
HF: Milera, Walker, Poholke
F: Gallucci, Jenkins, Betts
FOLL: Jacobs, Crouch, Gibbs
I/C: Greenwood, Otten, Cheney, Wilson
EMG: Hampton, Ellis-Yolmen, Fogarty, Murphy
IN: Gallucci, Otten, Cheney, Wilson
OUT: Brown, Murphy, Fogarty, Ellis-Yolmen
What to expect
In 2017, a season in which Adelaide played off in the Grand Final, the Crows excelled in three key statistical areas: contested possessions (#1 in the league), marks inside 50 (#1) and inside 50s (#2).
But this season, the currently 10th-placed Crows have somewhat dwindled in these important areas.
Although Don Pyke’s side remains one of the elite contested ball sides in the competition, rating second, only four sides are averaging less inside 50s than the Crows this year and they have fallen to 16th for marks inside 50.
Naturally, this has been of great consequence to their scoring ability, where they sit seventh for total points this year after recording almost 250 more points than the next best Port Adelaide in the 2017 home and away season.
Clearly Adelaide’s form has dropped off, with injuries a leading factor as Rory Sloane has missed eight of his side’s 12 games so far, Brad Crouch (missing all 12 games), Matt Crouch (four) and captain Taylor Walker (four).
Nevertheless, the Crows are a threat.
And, after losing their third consecutive game to Fremantle on Sunday, they are desperate for a win in order to keep in touch with the top eight.
Fans can expect a blockbuster at the MCG on Saturday night, as two clubs that find themselves in similar positions at the halfway point of the year do battle for the all-important four points.
Player to watch
In the absence of Rory Sloane this season, third-year midfielder Hugh Greenwood has picked up the slack. Greenwood leads his side for contested possessions this year, averaging 13.3 per game, which sits him tenth overall in the league.
Greenwood’s game is simple.
An incredible 72.3% of his possessions are contested, giving him the highest contested possession percentage of any player averaging at least 15 disposals since 1999.
But that doesn’t necessarily make him easy to stop.
