HEAD TO HEAD:

Played: 34

Essendon: 18

Adelaide: 16

Draw: 0

LAST FIVE TIMES:

R20, 2015, Adelaide Crows 27.9 (171) d Essendon 8.11 (59) at Etihad Stadium

R14, 2014, Essendon 15.11 (101) d Adelaide Crows 14.8 (92) at Etihad Stadium

R1, 2013, Essendon 18.9 (117) d Adelaide Crows 11.16 (82) at AAMI Stadium

R19, 2012, Adelaide Crows 16.8 (104) d Essendon 15.10 (100) at AAMI Stadium

R17, 2011, Essendon 12.12 (84) d Adelaide Crows 10.13 (73) at AAMI Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET:

Essendon suffered a demoralising loss to the Crows the last time we met in Round 20, 2015. The Crows kicked 24 goals to four after quarter time. Brendon Goddard was our best with 34 disposals, five tackles and seven marks.

THIS TIME AROUND: 

The Crows are once again flying this year and currently sit in 6^th place. Coming off a loss against the Cats, they are sure to come out firing at home as they ramp up their preparations for the finals.

See the full teams for both sides here.

KEY PLAYERS:

It’s another big game for our defenders. Even with the absence of Tex Walker, the Crows have plenty of firepower through Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins. Michael Hartley and Patrick Ambrose are going to be crucial in the backline, while it may come down to Matt Dea to attempt to curtail Betts.

David Zaharakis will be looking to silence the critics after what has been a quiet period of football for the midfielder. His ability to break the tag and get involved in the game will be crucial to the Bombers winning the clearances.

It was a disappointing outing for the forwards last week and inaccuracy was one of the factors directly contributing to the loss. Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia need early goals to gain confidence and set the right tone for the night.

THE HIGHLIGHTS:

Adam Cooney sits one goal away from kicking his 200^th career goal and could bring up the milestone in his hometown.

THE STATS: