SO FAR THIS YEAR:
Adelaide has had a great season so far and making their final push towards a top four position before the finals. They have only lost once at home this year and have extra motivation after losing to Geelong last week.
THE TEAM:
B: Brown, Talia, Hartigan
HB: Mackay, Lever, Cheney
C: Seedsman, Crouch, Atkins
HF: Cameron, Lynch, Betts
F: Douglas, McGovern, Jenkins
R: Jacobs, Sloane, Crouch
IC: Thompson, Laird, Smith and Lyons
Em: Milera, Smith, O’Brien
In: Mackay, Seedsman
Out: Henderson (Achilles), Walker (Ankle)
THE NUMBERS:
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Rory Sloane:
Sloane is one of the danger midfielders that the Bombers will have to hold accountable today. The tough and scrappy player has averaged 25 disposals so far this year, including 13 contested and two clearances.
Josh Jenkins:
As touched on in the Burning Questions, Josh Jenkins poses an incredible threat to the Essendon defence. The big job will likely fall to either Michael Hartley or Patrick Ambrose, with Ambrose seeming a more suitable match on paper.
Sam Jacobs:
The big man’s impact in the ruck has been profound so far this year. He is averaging 32.8 hit outs and has helped the Crows to an impressive 39 average clearances per-game (ranked 2nd in the AFL). Leuey has been consistent for the Bombers so far this year, but will need to ensure that he is providing the midfielders with first use of the ball.
