Where and when: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, June 4, 1.15pm (11.45am AWST)
TV: Delayed until 2.15pm on Channel 7 in Perth. Live on Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: Adelaide 8.8 (56) def. by West Coast 14.14 (98) at Adelaide Oval, round 18, 2021
Gun small forward Jamie Cripps inspired a thumping West Coast win on enemy territory, bagging five goals to ensure star ruckman Nic Naitanui (200 games) and debutant Connor West celebrated their milestones in style. Liam Ryan (three goals) and Jack Petruccelle (two) added to the attacking threat, while Tim Kelly (26 disposals) and Shannon Hurn (24) were influential throughout the uplifting road triumph.
What it means for the Eagles: Heading into the mid-season bye next week, with cavalry on the way for the second part of the campaign, the Eagles will be desperate to bring home four points from Adelaide and avoid the unwanted record of equalling the club’s longest losing streak of eight consecutive games.
The stat: The Eagles have won the past five clashes between the clubs, and boast a 4-2 record against the Crows at the Adelaide Oval.
The match-up: Rory Laird v Tim Kelly
Laird’s transformation from two-time All-Australian defender to gun midfielder has been impressive and the Crows’ reigning best and fairest is in rare form, averaging 32 disposals and 7.6 clearances per game. He looms as a major threat to the Eagles’ hopes of winning the engine room battle, especially coming off a 38-disposal, 14-clearance effort against Geelong. But Kelly is also in outstanding touch following his own dominant 38-disposal effort, plus a goal and five tackles, on a tough night against the Bulldogs last round to continue his strong campaign to date. Kelly enjoyed facing the Power at Adelaide Oval in round six, when he gathered 31 touches.
It’s a big week for: Tom Barrass
The gun full-back could get the job on returning Crows star Taylor Walker, who has kicked 18 goals in his seven games this season and looms as a stumbling block to the Eagles’ hopes of notching a first win since round four against Collingwood.
Big call: Jamie Cripps to match his five-goal haul in last year’s corresponding fixture.
