Patrick Dangerfield has emerged as a real star this season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey/News Limited
Having defeated Geelong and Carlton in the past two weeks, Adelaide will be out to reaffirm their premiership credentials against Collingwood at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night. The Crows have won seven from eight this season, including the last five. Richard Douglas returns for the Crows for the first time since round 2 after recovering from a hamstring injury, although they are still without suspended forward Taylor Walker.
Collingwood is coming into this game off the back of a hard fought 96-84 win in a replay of last year’s Grand Final against Geelong but that result came at a cost. Dane Swan and Ben Reid both suffered leg injuries that have ruled them out of this clash.
Where It Will be Won – Crows skipper Scott Thompson is having the best season of his career and has played a big part in his sides success. While he may have lacked support in the middle last year, he has been ably supported by young gun Patrick Dangerfield in 2012. In the absence of Dane Swan, there will be added responsibility on Scott Pendlebury and the improving Steele Sidebottom , who has collected 73 disposals in the past two matches, to match it with the home side. Whoever wins the midfield battle will give their side a big advantage.
Prediction – The Crows are flying at the moment and it is hard to see how Collingwood can end their winning run without reigning Brownlow medallist Dane Swan and key defender Ben Reid. Despite have won six of the past seven fixtures between the sides and the last seven in Adelaide, the Magpies will struggle to match it with Adelaide. Adelaide 1-39
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