Preview: Crows v Demons

VENUE & TIME: AAMI Stadium, Sunday May 18 - 12:40 local

HEAD TO HEAD: Adelaide 16, Melbourne 9, Draws 0

LAST TIME: Melbourne 13.11 (89) def. Adelaide 10.12 (72) at MCG, round 10, 2007.

WALKING WOUNDED: Adelaide has a long list of players that have recovered from injury and are available this week. Brent Reilly fractured his forearm in Round 1 and is the most likely to earn an instant recall. Bryce Campbell (ankle), Nick Gill (calf strain), Luke Jericho (s-c joint), Brad Moran (broken hand) and Trent Hentschel (hamstring) will also push for selection but are more likely to play for their SANFL sides. Ben Rutten (back) and Brad Symes remain on the Crows' injury list but Rutten played the Hall of Fame Tribute game so should ready for battle. The injury list is shorter for Melbourne. Adam Yze's Achilles injury will be tested this week and he might be a chance of returning. Colin Sylvia's hamstring means he's still a fortnight away while Ricky Petterd (groin) could be on the sidelines for another month. David Neitz remains on the long-term injury list with his sore neck.

FORM: The Crows aren't playing at their best but importantly they are still winning and hold an impressive 5-2 record. After suffering a 54-point loss to Hawthorn in Round 4, the Crows have hit back with a 17-point victory over Fremantle, a strong second half saw them beat Carlton by 30 points and an explosive third quarter in their game against North Melbourne guided them to a 33-point win. The Demons overcame a 50-point half-time deficit to record an amazing victory against the Dockers in their last encounter. It's their only genuine highlight for the season although they did push Geelong for three quarters at Skilled Stadium in Round 4.

WHO'S HOT: Jason Porplyzia's third quarter against North Melbourne was just the cameo role the Crows needed to shrug a determined Kangaroos line-up in Round 7. He kicked four goals, accumulated 11 possessions and dished of several scoring assists too. His poise, strong body and finishing skills are an asset for the South Australian side.
Austin Wonaeamirri's four goals against Fremantle were instrumental to the Demon's breakthrough victory. The 19-year-old Tiwi Islander adds another dimension to his side's forward line and could prove hard to stop for the Crows. Wonaeamirri played for Norwood in the SANFL last year and will be determined to perform in front of a South Australian crowd.

WE THINK: The break couldn't have come at a worse time for the Demons who would've been keen to play again after their massive second half against the Dockers. It will be interesting to see if they have maintained that enthusiasm over two weeks and can challenge a consistent Crows line-up. Adelaide is the first to admit it hasn't been playing well and the fitness of its Dream Team players will be tested against a fresh opposition who beat them in their last encounter. But the Crows have too many winners across the park and have a strong record against the Dees at AAMI Stadium. Melbourne will be brought back to earth this weekend. Adelaide by 39.