After four straight losses, the Lions are 4-4 and have plummeted from $7 premiership fancies to $34 outsiders in that time.
The Crows have been terrible all season, and with a 1-7 record, Neil Craig’s position has been questioned, as have those of a number of his players.
Now they’ve had the dramas of Bernie Vince, Graham Johncock and Matthew Jaensch being suspended for breaking club policy at the weekend, and there are some cracks in the previously unbreakable Crows persona.
A win for either team at AAMI Stadium on Sunday will keep the critics at bay for at least another week.
Both outfits have been crippled by injuries and will be hopeful of some returns this week.
The Crows will miss Vince and Johncock, while regulars Scott Thompson (calf), Chris Knights (foot) and David Mackay (groin) are all undergoing tests to play.
Meanwhile, the Lions are sweating on Ash McGrath (elbow) and Mitch Clark (groin) to pass fitness tests.
Forward scout: Adelaide Crows
2010 to date
There is little doubt the Crows have been the biggest disappointment of the season to date. Despite being bundled out of last season’s finals series by Collingwood, they finished as one of the most exciting teams in the league and looked to have a big 2010 in store.
But six straight losses, followed by a last quarter escape against Richmond and another loss to North Melbourne, leaves them floundering in second-last place. Like the Lions, they have been cruelled by injuries but their usual intensity has not been there.
The coach
Despite his incredible record at Adelaide, Neil Craig is in the gun. The seemingly unflappable Craig took over the Crows’ coaching position midway through 2004 and has gone about building a remarkable record since. After 136 games in charge, he has a winning record that touches on 60 per cent and has made five straight finals series.
He is famous for his disciplined approach and has a reputation of getting the very best out of the players at his disposal. However, with a 1-7 start in 2010, critics are starting to call for his head.
The gun
Like the rest of his team-mates, Kurt Tippett has been a slow starter in 2010. Last season, the 201cm forward showed just why the Crows were so keen to draft him from the Gold Coast with 55 goals and a highlight reel of contested marks. His athleticism and strength is a difficult match-up.
Early this season he barely got a touch, but he has found form in the past month, kicking 12 goals. Matt Maguire or Brent Staker will have their hands full stopping this genuine match-winner.
The sleeper
It's tough to call any two-time Norm Smith Medallist a sleeper, but while Andrew McLeod advances in years he is still one Crow capable of breaking a game wide open. Whether it’s drifting around the halfback line or playing on a wing, McLeod has lost a yard of pace but none of his skill. By foot he can cut you apart and even though in the twilight of his career, he still demands attention.
The bolter
After a strong 2009 that earned him a NAB Rising Star nomination, Patrick Dangerfield has got off to a slow start this season. He has very good hands and was used mainly in a forward role last year, kicking 21 goals.
But as his aerobic base improved, Craig moved him more to the midfield where the 20-year-old’s skills and toughness at the ball can be best used. He is one player the Crows will look to carry them into the future.
Strengths
Adelaide has made its name in the Neil Craig era by being a disciplined team. They have got away from that slightly this season, but be assured they will play their man tight, keep their zone and give the Lions no room to move. The back half, led by Ben Rutten and Nathan Bock, is particularly hard to break down. They match up well with Brown and Fevola and the other Lions forwards will need to step up and contribute.
Weaknesses
The Crows have had troubles in a number of areas this year, but quite simply, they're struggling to score. Other than the win over Richmond, the Crows have not kicked more than 75 points in any game. It starts with contested possessions in the middle and if Scott Thompson (in doubt) and Bernie Vince (suspended) haven’t fired, Adelaide has floundered in attack.
Speed is also an issue, but once forward of centre, Tippett, Jason Porplyzia and their fellow Crows forwards have struggled to hit the heights of 2009. Hold them and the Lions will go a long way towards victory.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily of the clubs or the AFL.
