ALMOST every game at this stage of the season has finals implications, and this one is no different. After Adelaide's shock loss against West Coast last week, the Crows are desperate to win to push back into the top eight. But what looked a relative 'gimme' game a few weeks back is now anything but, with the Lions winning five of their past nine matches. They won an ugly encounter against Melbourne last week, but have unearthed some genuine talent in key position players Daniel McStay, Michael Close and Darcy Gardiner, along with midfielders James Aish and Lewy Taylor. Adelaide's desperation and class should be enough, but they wouldn't want to underestimate the rapidly improving Lions.





WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Sunday August 10, 1.10pm AEST

LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2013, Adelaide 14.12 (96) d Brisbane Lions 10.17 (77) at Gabba
R21, 2012, Brisbane Lions 13.17 (95) d Adelaide 12.13 (85) at Gabba
R20, 2011, Adelaide 16.14 (110) d Brisbane Lions 16.9 (105) at Gabba
R10, 2011, Brisbane Lions 15.11 (101) d Adelaide 8.13 (61) at AAMI Stadium
R20, 2010, Adelaide 15.14 (104) d Brisbane Lions 13.19 (97) at Gabba

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THE SIX POINTS
1. Since the clubs first clashed in 1991, the Lions hold a narrow 18-17 advantage. They lead 11-9 at the Gabba, but the Crows have won three of the past four.

2. Adelaide is the No.1 centre clearance side in 2014, averaging 13.9 a game, while the Lions have struggled, ranked equal 15th at 11.2 a game.

3. No team has had fewer disposals in 2014 than the Lions. They average 342.7 a game compared to Adelaide's 372.1 a game, which ranks the Crows sixth.

4. Crows star Taylor Walker has been a handful for the Lions. In six games he has kicked 15 goals against Lions, including multiple goals in five of those matches.

5. Adelaide is the No.1 contested marking side in 2014, averaging 11.2 a game, while the Lions have struggled and are ranked 17th with just 7.1 a game.

6. Lion Tom Rockliff's scintillating form has seen him jump to a career-high No.21 in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Rockliff jumped another spot with his 32 disposals and seven tackles last week.

Prediction: Adelaide by 21 points