SUMMARY
After five straight losses and sporting a crippling injury toll, some say it's hard to see how Gold Coast can push Adelaide, but stranger things have happened. Despite a loss to Geelong last week and a tough early draw, the Crows have been one of the competition's early season pacesetters and still sit in eighth spot. They have just one more win than Gold Coast though and both teams would love the four points to get some breathing space. The SUNS have injuries all over the park, but their defence is particularly vulnerable and looks ripe to be picked by the multi-dimensional Crows forward line of Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts and Tom Lynch.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, May 21, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2015, Adelaide 19.11 (125) d Gold Coast 12.8 (80) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2015, Adelaide 18.11 (119) d Gold Coast 11.12 (78) at Metricon Stadium
R11, 2014, Adelaide 16.13 (109) d Gold Coast 11.11 (77) at Adelaide Oval
R14, 2013, Adelaide 16.15 (111) d Gold Coast 11.17 (83) at Metricon Stadium
R23, 2012, Adelaide 22.21 (153) d Gold Coast 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
THE FIVE POINTS
1. The last time these teams met, the Crows led by just nine points at the final change before running away with a comfortable win. Charlie Cameron and Eddie Betts combined for seven goals, while Gary Ablett injured his knee and missed the rest of the season.
2. Gold Coast is the lowest-ranked clearance team so far in 2016, averaging 31.8 a game. It is ranked equal 13th in centre clearances.
3. Gold Coast is yet to defeat Adelaide from eight contests, with six of the Crows' wins by more than 40 points and three by more than 60 points.
4. The SUNS are also struggling in contested possessions this season, averaging 131.1 a game to rank last. Adelaide is ranked third with 152.8 a game.
5. In the past three weeks the SUNS have lost by an average margin of 95 points, conceding an average score of 159 points.
