SUMMARY: This looms as a crunch game for both North Melbourne and Adelaide as they strive to stay in touch with the top eight. North's form has been far better than its 3-5 record suggests, but if it loses this match it can almost kiss its chances of playing finals goodbye. The Crows are better placed at 4-4 but after North their next seven opponents include 2012 finalists Fremantle, Sydney Swans, West Coast, Collingwood and Geelong, and prospective finalist Richmond. North has shown it can compete with the competition's best teams this year, but has become all too familiar with honourable losses. The Roos should break that trend against the Crows, but will need to be more ruthless if they get in awinning position.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday May 26, 3.20pm

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2012, North Melbourne 17.19 (121) d Adelaide 13.11 (89) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2011, North Melbourne 18.7 (115) d Adelaide 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2010, North Melbourne 12.12 (84) d Adelaide 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2009, Adelaide 9.14 (68) d North Melbourne 3.6 (24) at AAMI Stadium
R7, 2008, Adelaide 15.17 (107) d North Melbourne 11.8 (74) at AAMI Stadium

THE SIX-POINTS
1. Despite having won just three of its opening eight matches, North Melbourne is ranked fourth in the AFL for points scored this season, averaging 105 a game, compared to Adelaide, ranked ninth with an average of 100 points a game.

2. Adelaide's defensive mindset has been impressive in 2013, with the Crows conceding the third fewest points a game (80). North is ranked 13th in points against, conceding 97 a game.

3. Adelaide has not scored 100 points in a game against North Melbourne in their past four contests.

4. Contested marking has been a strength of both teams in 2013, with North and Adelaide ranked equal second in the competition.

5. The Kangaroos have won the past three contests between the teams, but Adelaide won their previous eight contests from 2004-2009.

6. The teams have met seven times at Etihad Stadium, with Adelaide holding a 4-3 edge. However, the Crows have won just one of their past 10 matches at the venue and last time lost badly as a heavily concussed Kurt Tippett (now with the Swans and currently ranked 205th in the Official AFL Player Rankings) was subbed out early.