The Adelaide Crows will hope to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat on Saturday, June 29, when they welcome the GWS Giants to Adelaide Oval in the AFL Round 16. Matthew Nick's side is 15th in the standings with a 4-1-9 record and anything short of a victory this week will kill any chances of them making the qualifying finals.
The Crows were not in action last week, but losses to Hawthorn, Richmond, and Sydney before a bye sent them further down the table after what looked like an upward trajectory in May. Adelaide will look to turn their fortunes around and salvage their season with a positive performance after a week's rest.
After falling short in the Sydney derby last week, GWS will be out for redemption. The Giants lost by 27 points to cross-town rivals and league leaders Sydney in Round 15 and will look to make amends against a struggling Crows outfit.
The Giants have been inconsistent over the last two months, but still sit in the top eight as a result of their early season form when they recorded five wins on the trot. They have failed to win consecutive matches since Round 5 and could finally drop out of the playoff zone if the result does not go their way this week.
However, this is a winnable match for the Giants who are the better side and have a richer head-to-head record with four consecutive wins against the Crows.
Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Form Guide
Adelaide Crows Form Guide (LWLLL): The Adelaide Crows are 15th in the AFL ladder.
GWS Giants Form Guide (LWLWL): The GWS Giants are sixth in the AFL ladder.
Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Team News
Adelaide Crows
Injured: Patrick Parnell (Shoulder), Wayne Milera (Knee), Matt Crouch (Shoulder), Josh Worrell (Arm), Riley Thilthorpe (Knee), Taylor Walker (Back)
Suspended: none
GWS Giants
Injured: Braydon Preuss (Back), Josh Fahey (Foot), Cooper Hamilton (Ankle), Sam Taylor (Testicle), Harry Perryman (Hamstring), Nick Madden (Ankle), Nick Haynes (Hamstring), Stephen Coniglio (Shoulder)
Suspended: none
Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Predicted Lineups
Adelaide Crows
FB: Nick Murray, Jordon Butts, Mitchell Hinge
HB: Max Michalanney, Mark Keane, Luke Nankervis
C: Chayce Jones, Jordan Dawson, Lachlan Sholl
HF: Brayden Cook, Darcy Fogarty, Josh Rachele
FF: Izak Rankine, Taylor Walker, Ben Keays
FOL: Reilly O'Brien, Rory Laird, Sam Berry
I/C: Jake Soligo, Billy Dowling, Will Hamill, Lachlan Murphy, Elliott Himmelberg
EMG: Zac Taylor, Lachlan Gollant, James Borlase
GWS Giants
FB: Connor Idun, Jack Buckley, Harry Himmelberg
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Leek Aleer, Lachie Ash
C: Harry Perryman, Tom Green, Finn Callaghan
HF: Brent Daniels, Jake Riccardi, Callum M. Brown
FF: Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Toby Bedford
FOL: Kieren Briggs, Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly
I/C: Callan Ward, Toby McMullin, Harvey Thomas, Max Gruzewski, Isaac Cumming
EMG: Ryan Angwin, Xavier O'Halloran, James Peatling
Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Prediction
Prediction: GWS Giants to win by 15 points