THE ADELAIDE line-up isn’t one flush with big names.
Nor is there one defining characteristic one thinks of when one considers the side that has played in the past two preliminary finals.
Perhaps it is that evenness across the board and, like the Sydney Swans, the fact they are such a well-drilled, disciplined unit, that has seen the Crows build such an imposing record since coach Neil Craig took the reins at the club.
Certainly, the Swans have had a great deal of difficulty when faced with Craig’s men in recent times.
Their last win against Adelaide came in round 15 of 2004, and that was on home turf.
So this week’s trip to AAMI Stadium will pose some mental hurdles as much as physical ones for the Swans.
But if ever Paul Roos’ side was equipped to undo Adelaide, this week might well be their best chance.
Both sides are coming off impressive wins against good opposition, and head into the clash with settled line-ups.
The Swans regain veteran defender Jared Crouch, who replaces the injured Sean Dempster, and his experience at a hostile AAMI Stadium will be invaluable.
The Crows will go in unchanged from the side that comprehensively beat Port Adelaide in round three.
The big obvious dangers for the visitors appear to be evergreen superstars Andrew McLeod and Simon Goodwin.
McLeod has been in dashing form so far this season, while Goodwin carved up the Swans last year.
Mark Ricciuto, who also did damage in last year’s SCG clash, won’t be there. But don’t let the Crows’ attack fool you.
As Roos has said this week, Adelaide’s forward line is underrated. There are no Jonathan Browns down there, but it can get the job done.
The likes of Ian Perrie, Nathan Bock and Scott Welsh provide the marking power while the young and improving Jason Porplyzia and Bernie Vince will look to make the most of their opportunities when the ball hits the turf.
If they don’t, Tadgh Kennelly and Leo Barry – who is celebrating his 200th senior game this week – will try to rebound quickly.
Both have been in terrific form, running the ball out of danger and pumping it inside their attacking 50m arc.
The Swans forward line looks stronger on paper. But how it fares against the Crows’ impressive defensive half will go a long way to determining this one.
Former Swan Scott Stevens had a great 2006 and has formed a strong relationship with All-Australian full-back Ben Rutten. McLeod provides the run and flair.
Much will ride on Darren Jolly and Spida Everitt’s shoulders. Jolly was supreme against the Lions last week, lifting as his fellow ruck partner struggled to have a major influence.
That’s the beauty of having two quality big men in your side, and perhaps where the Crows might feel the pinch.
Certainly on paper, the Everitt-Jolly combination looks to have it over Ben Hudson and Jonathon Griffen.
What happens at ground level however is another story.
It is a big clash for so early in the season. Not only will it give one side a 3-1 record and the other a less palatable 2-2 scoreline, it will give the rest of the competition a far clearer indication just how the two teams are travelling in 2007.
