AFL Aussie Rules
2007-08-19 - Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs
A Sports Betting Pick by DannyBoy
VENUE & TIME :AAMI Stadium, 4.40 pm AEST, Sunday 19 August
HEAD TO HEAD :
Adelaide 13 Western Bulldogs 15 Drawn 0
LAST TIME :
Adelaide 16.14 (110) bt Western Bulldogs 11.6 (72)
Round 2, 2007, MCG
Team Changes
Adelaide :
In: Hudson Mattner McGregor Meesen Welsh Vince
Out: Griffin Maric Perrie
New: John Meesen, 21, Geelong U18
Western Bulldogs :
In: Gilbee Johnson Street
Out: Nil
Preview :
Adelaide Adelaide has won just one of their past five, but at least can draw on the inspiration provided by captain Mark Ricciuto, who announced his retirement today.
Burton was the only Crow who resembled any threat to the Geelong defence last week. Having missed five matches in the middle of the season, Burton's form has improved gradually since being moved into attack. His high leap and ability to cover the ground makes him a match-up headache for opposition coaches.
The Crows are a chance to regain key forward Ken McGregor (quad), tagger Michael Doughty (hip) and goalkicker Scott Welsh (shin), the trio having missed last week's loss to Geelong, while Brett Burton (knee) is also in some doubt.
The Bulldogs, out of the eight on percentage, have not won since round 15, their only premiership points coming from their draw against St Kilda in round 18, their lack of size and strength left them no match for Geelong and the Eagles. Last week's loss to 15th-placed Melbourne was a tremendous disappointment after such a gallant performance the previous round against the Saints.
Youngster Tom Williams keeps getting better each week. All at sea initially at senior level, Williams has shown enough in recent weeks to give Bulldogs fans hope he could become a reliable long-term key defender for them. He was solid last week against the Demons and more than serviceable against Geelong and St Kilda as well.
Ruckman Ben Hudson will return from a club-imposed suspension. Bulldogs veteran Chris Grant's knee injury is not as serious as first thought and he is still given hope of facing the Crows.
The Verdict :
Both clubs look set to rue seasons which never gathered steam after high predictions over the summer, but Adelaide can expect to live the dream for at least one more week.
The Bulldogs struggled against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. Their past two visits to face the Crows have produced losses by a combined total of 151 points. It could be a similarly bleak scenario for them this weekend.
The Pick :
Adelaide by 45 points.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Adelaide 0ver 39.5 points @ 2.55Adelaide -25.5 points @ 1.90
