WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday May 5, 7.40pm
LAST TIME: Adelaide 8.9 (57) d Sydney Swans 6.14 (50), round 15, AAMI Stadium
TV and RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for all the Match Day Info for Saturday night

The Swans were unbeaten heading into last week's clash with Hawthorn, but there were question marks over the calibre of opponent they had beaten. A stirring comeback victory over the Hawks made the AFL sit up and take notice of a Swans team that appears to be on the rise. But they are extremely wary of an Adelaide side that is also surging up the ladder. The fourth-placed Crows ran over the top of Port in last week's Showdown, with Taylor Walker kicking a career-best six goals.

THE FOUR POINTS

SYDNEY SWANS

1. How will the Swans react after finding themselves uncharacteristically thrust into the spotlight? Traditionally happy to fly under the radar in Sydney, the club is now garnering plenty of attention through its unbeaten start to the season. The SCG crowd will now be expecting another strong performance on Saturday night.

2. The last time these teams met the Swans were fighting for a finals spot and Adelaide had lost 10 of its 13 games, including six straight. But the Crows would prevail by seven points in the wet and the Swans were lambasted, particularly after kicking 6.14. They will be keen for a different result this time.

3. Can anyone curtail Josh Kennedy? The midfielder has had a phenomenal start to the year and shot right into Brownlow Medal calculations. Averaging just under 29 disposals and 7.2 clearances a game, the Crows will need to find a way to limit Kennedy's influence if they are to take the four points.

4. Will Adam Goodes put on a show in front of his adoring fans? Suspension meant he broke the club's games played record in Launceston instead of Sydney. But with a swag of family heading to the SCG to celebrate his milestone, the 32-year-old will want to back up his impressive display against the Hawks.

ADELAIDE

1. Adelaide has enjoyed a remarkable record against the Swans in recent times, winning six out of the past seven encounters. In Sydney, the Swans haven't won since round 15, 2004. But after continuing their perfect start to 2012 last week with a 37-point win over the Hawks, the Swans are arguably Adelaide's toughest opponent to date. Facing Geelong, Collingwood, Carlton and Fremantle before the bye in round 11, the Crows need a strong showing on Saturday night.

2. Few would doubt the threat Adelaide's big key forwards in Taylor Walker and Kurt Tippett pose, but their accuracy in front of goal is the thing that can win or lose games. Against GWS, Walker kicked 1.5, while Tippett kicked 4.1. In last Sunday's Showdown, Walker booted 6.1 while Tippett could only manage 1.4. The two towers have taken turns so far this season, but if they both fire at the same time, the Crows' attack would be almost impossible to stop.

3. Against one of the competition's in-form midfields on Saturday night, Adelaide's engine room will need to be working at full efficiency. Patrick Dangerfield had the game of his career last weekend, racking up 39 disposals, but along with Rory Sloane and Scott Thompson, the trio will need to get on top of prolific Swans Josh Kennedy, Daniel Hannebery, Craig Bird and Luke Parker. These Swans have put up huge numbers so far this season and if they can't be stopped, or at least curbed, the going will be tough for the Croweaters.

4. Adelaide could find an advantage in the ruck department against the Swans, with Sam Jacobs in terrific form while first-choice Swan Shane Mumford is injured. Mark Seaby has certainly picked up the slack and was impressive against both North Melbourne and Hawthorn, but he's a lone ranger. With Jacobs and Shaun McKernan rotating through the ruck the combination could prove too hard to stop and Adelaide's midfield could well get first use of the ball.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL