After spending the first half in attack, Aaron Francis has been moved to defence.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has been shifted forward.

Kyle Langford has also been moved forward after spending the first half in defence.

Essendon lead the clearances (22-19) two and a half quarters into the game but Adelaide has kicked four goals from clearances, compared to the Bombers one.

Adelaide went at 72% kicking efficiency compared to the Bombers 42% throughout the first 12 minutes of the term.

There wasn't much to get excited about in the third term, but Joe Daniher's goal late highlighted the importance of ball use.  Essendon strung together seven short passes to split open the Crows defence.

Zach Merrett (22), Brendon Goddard (22) and Adam Cooney (20) are the Dons leading ball winners.