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The Adelaide Crows took a thumping win over the Essendon Bombers on Sunday afternoon, runnning out the winners by 82 points.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Adelaide 22.11.143
Essendon 9.7.61
The Adelaide Crows are looking to get back on the winners list in emphatic style when they host the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval. Join us on The Roar from 4:40pm (AEST) to follow all of the action.
Read more:
» AFL talking points from Round 19
» NRL talking points from the weekend
» The Wrap: Super Rugby semi-finals
Adelaide had a disappointing loss against Geelong last week, as for the second time this season the Cats made the Crows look like pretenders.
But the Crows’ best form is still as good as anyone, and this clash against the Bombers could provide a confidence booster heading into the run home to finals.
With the top eight as tight as it is, every single win is critical, while percentage could also be pivotal and this week gives the Crows a chance to keep their top-two hopes alive.
For Essendon, all signs point towards the 2016 wooden spoon after losing to fellow strugglers Brisbane last week. A chance to claim a rare win, the Bombers started well but struggled to maintain the intensity required for the four quarters.
This means they will likely get the number one draft pick, but don’t expect them to shut up shop for the rest of the year. John Worsfold has his men taking the game on at all costs and playing some exciting football, but poor goal-kicking has cost them when they have been in the contest.
While the Bombers own a slight advantage in the recent head-to-head record, that will obviously mean nothing for this clash.
After being held to just 55 points last week, watch out for the Adelaide forward line to come out with a point to prove as the likes of Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins and Taylor Walker – if he comes up from his injury – look to dominate the young Bombers defence.
It’s hard to see where the Bombers can gain any sort of advantage in this game, with the Crows having such great depth in all areas.
Zac Merrett, Brendan Goddard and Adam Cooney will need to be at their absolute best against a midfield that includes the likes of Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch and Scott Thompson.
Another key battle will be in the ruck, where Dons big man Matthew Leuenberger faces the ever-reliable Sam Jacobs.
Prediction
Adelaide will be far too strong in this contest.
Crows by 50-plus points.
Will the Crows get a percentage-boosting win to get their top-two hopes back on track, or can the Bombers pull off an upset for the ages? Join The Roar from 4:40pm (AEST) for all of the action.