Presenting all you need to know about Collingwood’s round 19 opponents – the Adelaide Crows – as they prepare to go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon at the MCGC.

Recent form

Led by a starring performance from midfielder Rory Sloane, the Adelaide Crows defeated Geelong by 21 points in a top-of-the-table clash at Adelaide Oval.

Five goals from Geelong’s Harry Taylor in the second half wasn't enough for to push the Cats over the line, as the Crows held on to secure their 13th win of the season and push ahead in the race for the minor premiership.

Only six days after suffering a head knock, Sloane inspired the Crows to victory with 28 disposals, seven tackles and three goals.

Both Matt and Brad Crouch had an influence in the middle, amassing 32 disposals, seven tackles and 29 disposals, seven tackles respectively.

And with Josh Jenkins and Taylor Walker kicking only two goals between them, it was Richard Douglas who stepped in to fill the void, kicking a career-high four goals.



Douglas celebrates one of his four goals against the Cats. Image: AFL Photos.

Words from the coach

“It was just a super strong performance from our guys. I was proud of them tonight,” Adelaide coach Don Pyke said in his post-match press conference.

“I thought our pressure on the ball to start with and the way we came out and played was always going to make it a fierce contest.

“To come out with a win just shows some of the improvement the guys have made, which is fantastic.”



Don Pyke and Taylor Walker celebrate the victory. Image: AFL Photos.

Keep an eye on

Adelaide’s midfield is one of the strongest outfits in the competition.

And if the Magpies are to defeat the ladder-leading Crows on Sunday afternoon, they must quell the influence of Rory Sloane and the Crouch brothers.

Averaging 24 touches a game, eight tackles, six clearances and almost a goal a game, Sloane is firming as a favourite for the Brownlow Medal come season's end.

His influence on the contest and his leadership around the ground has been first-class in 2017.

“Sloane was fantastic tonight. He’s one of our leaders and he led from the front. To play that way shows great leadership,” coach Don Pyke said of his vice-captain following the victory over Geelong.

Both Matt and Brad Crouch are enjoying career-best seasons with the Crows, and have emerged as the key drivers behind Adelaide’s stoppage and contested ball dominance.

Matt – in his fourth season with the Crows – is averaging 32 disposals and is ranked second overall in the AFL most disposals this season.

Brad – in his fifth year the South Australian franchise – is averaging 28 possessions, seven tackles and six clearances.



Brad and Matt Crouch are both having career-best seasons with the Crows in 2017. Image: AFL Photos. 

Injury list

Small forward Eddie Betts has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash after he underwent an operation to remove his appendix earlier this week.

“He will not play this weekend as he recovers from surgery and the club will continue to monitor his health before a decision is made on his availability,” the Crows confirmed.

Brad Crouch is the other Crow under an injury cloud, having had surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone this week.

“All went successfully (with Brad) and we will discuss our options with the surgeon and make an assessment on his availability going forward.” 

Adelaide’s injury list
Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) – test
Jake Lever (hamstring) – test
Wayne Milera (calf) – test
Brad Crouch (cheekbone) – TBC
Eddie Betts (appendix) – 1-2 weeks
Reilly O’Brien (back) – ongoing assignment
Curtly Hampton (ankle) – 3-4 weeks
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) – season



Adelaide confirmed Eddie Betts will miss Sunday's clash against the Magpies. Image: AFL Photos. 

In the mix

Defender Kyle Hartigan and midfielder Wayne Milera loom as likely inclusions against the Pies if they can complete Thursday’s main training session, the club confirmed this week.

Jake Lever is another who could return after being ruled out against Geelong last week with a hamstring.

Other possible inclusions include small forward Troy Menzel, former Pie Paul Seedsman, while Scott Thompson – who this week announced his retirement at season’s end – could replace Crouch in the midfield if he is to miss.



Lever could return from injury to face Collingwood this weekend. Image: AFL Photos.

Key numbers

Head to Head
Overall
Adelaide – 25
Collingwood - 15

At the MCG
Collingwood – 7
Adelaide – 3

Largest crowds (during the H&A season)
54,790 – Round 16, 2013 at the MCG
52,592 – Round 15. 2008 at the MCG
50,051 – Round 9, 2014 at Adelaide Oval
50,012 – Round 17, 2016 at Adelaide Oval
48,522 – Round 22, 1993 at Aami Stadium

Adelaide’s recent form
Round 18 – Adelaide (91) def Geelong (70) at Adelaide Oval
Round 17 – Adelaide (116) def Melbourne 70) at TIO Stadium
Round 16 – Adelaide (105) def Western Bulldogs (45) at Adelaide Oval
Round 15 – Adelaide (89) def Carlton (77) at the MCG
Round 14 – Adelaide (82) def by Hawthorn (96) at Adelaide Oval

Last five times we’ve met
Round 17, 2016 – Collingwood (69) def by Adelaide (97) at Adelaide Oval
Round 2, 2015 – Collingwood (63) def by Adelaide (90) at Etihad Stadium
Round 18, 2014 – Adelaide (98) def Collingwood (82) at the MCG
Round 9, 2014 – Adelaide (76) def Collingwood (55) at Adelaide Oval
Round 16, 2013 – Collingwood (111) def Adelaide (84) at the MCG