The fifth game on Saturday for AFL Round 14 is between Essendon Bombers and Adelaide Crows. The opening bounce is set to commence at 7:40 PM with the game to be played at Etihad Stadium. The favourite for the match is away team Adelaide Crows. View our preview and teams for the game between Essendon Bombers and Adelaide Crows.
Round: Round 14 , June 21, 2014 , 7:40 PM
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Weather: 15° Shower or two.
Featured Bookmakers:
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Tip: Adelaide 21+ at $2.60 at Bet365 Australia + get a $200 FREE BET
Preview:
ADELAIDE was perhaps the most impressive team of last round with its 36-point drubbing of North Melbourne, while Essendon was one of the most disappointing in its one-point defeat to Melbourne. On the surface, the Crows appear to have hit their best form at the same time as the Bombers are falling, but given the up-and-down nature of these two teams it is a difficult match to read. Both sides have won six matches and are on the brink of the top eight, but the Crows hit the contest with more confidence and form.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2013, Essendon 18.9 (117) d Adelaide 11.16 (82) at AAMI Stadium
R19, 2012, Adelaide 16.8 (104) d Essendon 15.10 (100) at AAMI Stadium
R17, 2011, Essendon 12.12 (84) d Adelaide 10.13 (73) at AAMI Stadium
R14, 2010, Adelaide 19.10 (124) d Essendon 5.10 (40) at AAMI Stadium
1EF, 2009, Adelaide 26.10 (166) d Essendon 10.10 (70) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It’s been some time since Adelaide travelled to Melbourne to play Essendon. The past five meetings between the sides were at AAMI Stadium, with the last game at Etihad Stadium back in 2009.
2. Adelaide has been the most disciplined team in 2014, giving away the fewest free kicks (averaging only 14.3 a game). Essendon is 11th, conceding 16 a game.
3. The Bombers continue to struggle to score in 2014. Last year their average score was 97 points a game. In 2014 it’s 81 a game and they have kicked 10 goals or fewer seven times.
4. The Crows have shown their potential, but haven’t been able to do it week-to-week this season. Over their past seven games they have alternated wins and losses.
5. Ahead of his 100th game, David Zaharakis is in brilliant touch. After a slow start to the season the dynamic Essendon midfielder has averaged 32 disposals and kicked seven goals in the past four games.
6. Brodie Smith is fast becoming one of Adelaide’s most important players. His rise is reflected in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, where Smith is the Crows’ fourth highest-ranked player and No.50 in the competition.
Teams:
ESSENDON
B Mark Baguley, Dustin Fletcher, Michael Hurley
HB Michael Hibberd, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey
C Brent Stanton, Heath Hocking, Dyson Heppell
HF Brendon Goddard, Tom Bellchambers, David Zaharakis
F Jason Winderlich, Joe Daniher, Zach Merrett
FOLL Patrick Ryder, Jake Melksham, David Myers
I/C Travis Colyer, Elliott Kavanagh, Ben Howlett, Patrick Ambrose
EMG Cory Dell’Olio, Kyle Hardingham, Jackson Merrett
IN Dustin Fletcher, Travis Colyer
OUT Jake Carlisle (Knee), Paul Chapman (Rested)
ADELAIDE
B Daniel Talia, Ben Rutten, Luke Brown
HB Matthew Jaensch, James Podsiadly, David Mackay
C Sam Kerridge, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith
HF Matthew Wright, Andy Otten, Josh Jenkins
F Eddie Betts, Patrick Dangerfield, Taylor Walker
FOLL Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas
I/C Brent Reilly, Rory Laird, Jarryd Lyons, Brodie Martin
EMG Luke Thompson, Jason Porplyzia, Rory Atkins
IN Jarryd Lyons
OUT Matt Crouch (omitted)