Adelaide Crows vs Richmond Tigers Verdict
Adelaide get the perfect chance to boost top four hopes against struggling Richmond, and I'm backing them to do so. A wide-margin win here will give their percentage a real shot in the arm and the Crows can cover a huge -57.5 line.
- Adelaide’s last two matches at Adelaide Oval against interstate sides outside the top 10 have resulted in 79 and 68-point wins.
- Taylor Walker has kicked 10 goals across his past three matches.
- Josh Rachele has kicked at least two goals in each of his five matches against Richmond.
- Richmond have lost their past four matches against top-six sides by an average of 64 points
Head to Head Stats
Adelaide have taken out the past two matches between the two sides, including the Round 9 fixture this season by 37 points.
They were 68-point winners in the most recent Adelaide Oval match, with that played in Round 13 last season.
Adelaide Crows Form - Huge Win For Crows
Adelaide enter Round 22 playing some of its best football of the season, winning seven of its past nine matches to move inside the top four.
After being comprehensively outplayed by Collingwood's pressure game a fortnight ago, the Crows responded in emphatic fashion with a 72-point demolition of Essendon last week.
Matthew Nicks' side controlled the contest from the opening bounce, generating 58 inside 50s and 23 goals in one of its most complete four-quarter performances of the year.
Adelaide have been exceptionally reliable at Adelaide Oval against interstate opposition. The Crows have won seven of nine home matches against clubs travelling to South Australia this season.
Their two home matches against bottom-six interstate sides resulted in victories by 79 points over Gold Coast and 68 points over North Melbourne.
Richmond Tigers Form - Rare Win Secured
Richmond finally enjoyed some reward for effort last weekend, snapping an eight-match losing streak with an 11-point victory over West Coast.
While the result was significant for confidence, Richmond still lost the clearance count, inside 50 count and total scoring shots, but survived through superior efficiency in front of goal.
Adem Yze's side have been far more competitive than the ladder position suggests, but finishing games against stronger opponents remains an issue.
The Tigers average just 65 points per game this season and have lost all six matches against top-eight sides by an average margin of 60 points.
Adelaide Crows vs Richmond Team News
Rory Laird, James Peatling, Reilly O’Brien and Sam Berry return as the Crows make four changes. Jordan Borlase and Luke Nankervis are injured, while Lachlan McAndrew and Jake Soligo have been managed.
For Richmond, Judson Clarke and Steely Green return. Luke Trainor is suspended and Sam Cumming misses through injury.