Essendon started with Matthew Leuenberger, Jobe Watson, Darcy Parish and Brendon Goddard in at the centre bounce. Dyson Heppell and Travis Colyer lined up on the wings.

In the Bombers defence Michael Hurley started with the job on Taylor Walker, Patrick Ambrose started on Tom Lynch and Mark Baguley is playing Eddie Betts.

In attack Joe Daniher has Daniel Talia for company and Kyle Hartigan is playing on Cale Hooker.

After Adelaide kicked the opening two goals inside the first three minutes, the Bombers were able to open their account of the back of three repeat forward 50 entries.

The Bombers were aggressive with their ball movement in the first quarter with players regularly looking to attack through the corridor.

Essendon had more disposals in the first term (98-92) but the clearances (7-12), inside 50’s (11-15), contested possessions (29-35) and tackles (5-17) all went the Crows way.

At quarter time, Adelaide held a six-goal lead.

The Crows opened the goal scoring in the second term (Taylor Walker's fifth).  It meant the home side had scored from 14 of their first 18 inside 50's.

But the Bombers answered with next three to bring the margin back to 26 points.

Early in the second term, Essendon moved Ambrose onto Walker, with Hurley switching to Andy Otten.  Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was also shifted onto the ball.

But the changes didn't slow the Crows momentum.  At half time they'd booted 15 goals to seven to lead by 52 points.