ADELAIDE was able to sit back and watch the wildcard round unfold but is now right back in the furnace as it chases a first finals win in nine years in an elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.

The Crows were unable to take advantage of making their long-awaited return to finals as minor premiers last year when they failed to win even a quarter during a straight-sets exit. The cards fell their way this time as they leapfrogged the Demons in the last round to avoid the wildcard spots though they will have to navigate a series of knockout games if they are to make a deep finals run. The Crows have had a strong back half of the year which has included wins over the Dogs, as well as top-six sides the Cats and the Swans, and have only lost once in their past 11 matches against interstate visitors on their home turf. 

The Bulldogs are building momentum at just the right time as they backed up a draw with the red-hot Blues with an impressive round 24 victory over the Demons, then hung on for a gritty wildcard win against the Magpies last week. Their record against the other seven remaining sides with only three wins and a draw – and a percentage of 73.3 – from 12 matches gives cause for concern. But the Dogs can turn to a more promising recent record at Adelaide Oval, with wins at the venue against the Crows and Power this year, although they were also thumped by the Hawks at the venue during Gather Round.  

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