The Season so far...
Adelaide
It's been a mixed bag so far for the Crows, who have won some tough games against the odds while managing to drop games to weaker opponents along the way.
They come in to this game in great form having just knocked off the Giants at home, while the week before they completed a stirring 32 point comeback to defeat the Demons by 2 points in the Northern Territory. Adelaide have flown under the radar off the back of a solid last month of footy to sit 5th on the table with 7 wins.
Richmond
Much the same as Adelaide, the Tigers have had a mixed year so far. They've put in some good performances when they've had their backs against the wall, however have lost games to teams outside the 8. Much of their mixed form could be attributed to the fact that key players have been missing for most of the year - this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise however as they've been able to get some experience in to some exciting youngsters. Richmond comes into this game off the back of two disappointing losses to North Melbourne and Geelong by a combined 100+ points.
Recent History
Adelaide have got the recent edge over Richmond, having won 4 of the last 6 matches. Unfortunately for them, one of those matches was the 2017 Grand Final.
The Tigers easily accounted for the Crows in the most recent matchup, defeating them by 47 points at the MCG in Round 16 last year.
Key Match-Ups
Dylan Grimes vs Eddie Betts
Trent Cotchin vs Rory Sloane
Tom Lynch vs Daniel Talia
Stats that matter
* The Tigers rank 4th in the competition for inside 50's this season with 55 per game, yet only average 11.3 goals per game (11th). The Crows are much more efficient, averaging 11.6 goals per game from 53.3 i50's per game.
* Adelaide have really stepped up their tackle game this year, and are 2nd in the comp averaging 65.9 tackles per game. Richmond are ranked 9th in the comp for tackles.
* Matt and Brad Crouch are 6th and 8th resepectively for average disposals per game this season.
* Trent Cotchin is 3rd in the competition for average inside-50's per game
Possible Changes:
Adelaide:
IN: Tom Lynch, Chayce Jones, Bryce Gibbs, Darcy Fogarty
OUT: Richard Douglas, Hugh Greenwood
Just going off the Crows board, they all want Douglas dropped. Hugh Greenwood was an out last week and earnt a reprieve after Lynch did his calf in the warm-up, expect that change to happen if Lynch is fit. You'd have to think Gibbs is a chance for selection.
Richmond:
IN: Nick Vlastuin, David Astbury, Brandon Ellis, Shai Bolton, Nathan Broad
OUT: Dan Butler, Jason Castagna, Jacob Townsend, Jack Graham, Jack Higgins
It will come down to fitness of a few key personnel. If fit, Vlastuin, Astbury and Ellis are automatic selections. After a disappointing thrashing to the Cats though, the selection axe will surely be swung regardless and looking at the stats sheet, the listed names above would all be in the firing line. You'd like to think Patrick Naish did enough to earn another game. Bolton responded well to being dropped in the VFL with 25 touches, a huge 11 tackles and a goal.
Blokes We'd Like To See Get Cleaned Up:
Final Word
On paper, with all the outs, Adelaide have probably got the stronger team. Richmond's defence looks quite shaky if Astbury doesn't get up, and even if he does, the Crows have got quite a bit of firepower up there. With Lynch and a number of goal scorers out of form up the other end, it's going to be hard to see Richmond kicking a big score against Adelaide's solid defence.
It may sound cliche but this is very much a game that will be won and lost in the middle. The Tigers will need huge games out of Dusty and Cotch and hope that at least one of the multitude of smalls bobs up and kicks a few goals. Richmond simply need to win the contested possessions and the clearances to give themselves a chance at kicking a winning score.
The Crows have also likely got the edge in the ruck, with young and inexperienced Ivan Soldo carrying the duties with Nankervis injured. Big Ivan can certainly get his hands on it, but doesn't offer as much around the ground as young Reilly O'Brien who is having a great year for a young ruck. Last week vs Geelong, no other Richmond player won a hitout- the Tigers simply can't have Josh Caddy taking centre bounces and need Noah Balta to impose himself when given the chance.
Prediction:
Richmond by 143 Points