AAMI Stadium, Friday, March 8, 8.10pm
MISSING
Adelaide: Nick Joyce (groin), and coach Brenton Sanderson has indicated that several others will be rested.
Carlton: Jarrad Waite (calf), Andrew Collins (ankle), Nick Graham (knee), David Ellard (hamstring), Rhys O'Keeffe (foot), Andrew McInnes (knee).
LAST WEEK
Adelaide: Despite fielding a strong line-up on paper, the Crows' slow start to 2013 continued when they suffered a 63-point belting from an under-strength Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
Carlton: The undefeated Blues have been the subject of much hype all pre-season and their 70-point demolition of Fremantle at Etihad Stadium only served to heighten the excitement surrounding the club's progress under new coach Mick Malthouse.
WHAT THEY SAY
Adelaide: "There's concern, for sure … We were much better than Geelong on paper, when you look at experience and games played. And we're effectively a week ahead of them because we've had two practice games and they've only had the one. We were expecting a much better effort than that." - Brenton Sanderson
Carlton: "Winning form is good form, so we're pretty happy to get another win, but it was just another stepping stone. (Freo) played a good system and it was important we played well against that system." - Mick Malthouse
WE SAY
Carlton: Whether they win or lose against the Crows, the Blues appear well placed for a tilt at the NAB Cup title, which would provide the club with a tasty entrée to a premiership season that promises so much. Malthouse's teams have generally travelled well, so it will be intriguing to see how much influence the messiah has on the Blues' record on the road.
Adelaide: After suffering hidings from St Kilda and Geelong, and only a win over battling Port Adelaide to show for themselves, the Crows will be desperate to ramp up their preparations to a level expected of a premiership aspirant. A strong showing against Carlton would restore confidence.
Ben Collins is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_BenCollins
