Adelaide's recent form: WWLWL

RECENT RESULTS AGAINST COLLINGWOOD
Round one, 2009: Adelaide 13.12 (90) d Collingwood 13.8 (86), MCG
Elimination final, 2008: Collingwood 19.11 (125) d Adelaide 14.10 (94), AAMI Stadium
Round 15, 2008: Collingwood 15.16 (106) d Adelaide 11.8 (74), MCG
Round 22, 2007: Adelaide 14.10 (94) d Collingwood 11.9 (75), Docklands
Round six, 2007: Collingwood 11.20 (86) d Adelaide 9.8 (62), AAMI Stadium

MEDICAL ROOM
Adelaide
David Mackay (hamstring) – available
Patrick Dangerfield (back) – assessment
Shaun McKernan (broken arm) – 2-3 weeks
Nick Gill (ankle) – 3 weeks
Jarrhan Jacky (hamstring) – indefinite
James Moss (hip) – indefinite
Brad Moran (knee) – indefinite
Brodie Martin (knee) – season
Chris Schmidt (shoulder) – season

Collingwood
Nathan Brown (knee) – test
Johnny Bennell (collarbone) – test
Josh Fraser (knee) – 1 week
Sean Rusling (hip flexor) – 1 week

SUMMARY

The heartbreaking defeat could prove costly when it comes to deciding the top four, but looking at the bigger picture Adelaide gained much more from the performance than it lost.

Now the challenge is to translate that self-belief into a win against the fourth-placed Collingwood on Saturday night.

The Pies overcame a slow start against the Jonathan Brown-led Brisbane Lions to run out comfortable 40-point winners last weekend.

Adelaide has not beaten a top-four side since upstaging Collingwood at the MCG back in round one and will need to reverse a poor recent record against the Pies at AAMI Stadium to change that statistic.

The Magpies have won the past two meetings between the two sides in South Australia, including last year’s elimination final, but the Crows will be desperate to secure their fifth consecutive finals berth in front of their 19th man.

KEY MATCH-UP
Ivan Maric v Cameron Wood
Maric picked up a season-high 17 possessions and seven marks to go with 16 hit-outs against the Cats. Maric, at his best, creates a significant presence at the stoppages and the Adelaide onballers appear to feed off his passion and enthusiasm. The SA-born Wood has been given an opportunity in the absence of injured Pies ruckman Josh Fraser and will be keen to consolidate his spot with finals only four weeks away.

KICK IT TO ME
Brent Reilly has returned from a mid-season stint with Sturt in career-best form. The skilful onballer has amassed 61 possessions in two near best-on-ground performances over the past fortnight. Reilly is one of the best ball-users in the Crows side and his teammates’ willingness to use him was reflected by his 10 inside 50s against the Cats.

SOMEBODY STOP ME
Adelaide nullified the influence of Gary Ablett and Steve Johnson at Skilled Stadium, but up popped Chapman (six goals) to snatch victory from the visitors' grasp. Collingwood boasts its own array of potential match-winners, including goalkicking midfielders Leon Davis and Alan Didak.

Coach Mick Malthouse constantly rotates the star duo constantly to ensure they inflict maximum damage while on the field. Davis and Didak are both averaging 20-plus possessions and a goal this season and warrant some close attention from the likes of Michael Doughty, Nathan van Berlo and Rob Shirley.

AT THE SELECTION TABLE
Nathan Bock is expected to play despite nursing a bruised heel and dashing midfielder David Mackay (hamstring) is likely to replace Patrick Dangerfield, who has been ruled out with a back strain.

Forward Taylor Walker booted another four goals in the SANFL over the weekend and Richard Douglas three, but it’s hard to see where either player can slot in after Saturday’s spirited showing against Geelong.

IT'S NOT GENERALLY KNOWN THAT...
Bernie Vince managed just 10 games in his first two years with the Crows, but has played 39 of the past 41 to reach the 50-game milestone against Collingwood this week. Scott Thompson will play his 150th AFL game.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.