Don’t write off the Crows just yet.
Best Bet
The number here looks too high.
Adelaide have failed to cover in their last three games but they were right in the game against Brisbane last Saturday and only goalkicking – 9.12 to 16.6 – saw the margin blow out in that one.
St. Kilda have to cover the loss of their captain and best player Jack Steele. This is a new challenge for Brett Ratten and his coaching staff as Steele has barely missed a game in recent years.
The Saints recent form has been carried on the back of their contest and stoppage game, in which Steele is a vital cog. If that slips, St. Kilda won’t be beating teams with precision ball movement, as they rank 15th in the league for kicking efficiency, at just 65.4%.
Factor in Adelaide’s excellent record against the Saints – the Crows have won ten of the last eleven games between these sides, including in Round 13 last year – and we can see the Crows keeping this one close, with the chance to even cause an upset.
Who will take home the AFL’s top individual award? Check out our weekly AFL Brownlow Predictor for this week’s leaderboard and our tips.
Same Game Multi
With Steele out the two players likely to see more midfield minutes are Ross and Crouch. The latter comes off his best game of the season with 36 touches last week against Geelong, while Ross has gone over 25 in five of nine games even with Steele in the side.
Value Bet
Adelaide has to take confidence from their recent record against the Saints and better than two to one looks like excellent value.
