I like these spots, so let's look at it in a little bit more detail:
HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE
The Crows play Adelaide Oval very well. I don't think it is fortress-like just yet like Domain Stadium in Perth is for the Eagles, but they're getting there. They have a 3-1 record at home in 2016, 75% win rate, with their lone loss coming against a very strong and determined Cats side the other week. Their margin in wins at home this season exceeds 5 goals.
GOOD TEAMS THAT STRUGGLE PLAYING AWAY
I still have GWS well entrenched in this category. As I do the Bulldogs and the Eagles to some extent. It's not as if they can't win away from home, but they don't seem to get that relentless attitude and speed that they do playing in Sydney.
I took the same attitude when they played in Fremantle where they failed to cover the line and GWS have only played 3 times away this season for a reasonable 2-1 record (though the wins only came against the Suns and Saints). I like the hostility Adelaide Oval will present.
Of course this season is different, but GWS win rate away from home last season was 27% !
KEY MATCHUPS
Adelaide Back line v GWS Forward Line - EVEN
GWS Forwards can be very dangerous with Cameron, Patton and probably Lobb back from injury with Johnson and Greene running through there as well. But the Crows tall defenders matchup well highlighted with Talia and they have enough small defenders who can damage you the other way (Brodie Smith) to cover this.
Rucks / Midfield - Slight Lean GWS
Still think Jacobs brings more to a game than what Mumford does in the ruck. Mumford is mainly known for his aggression but injuries have really riddled his career which is a shame because he could well have been one of the premier ruckmen of the comp.
The loss of Dangerfield this season has hurt the Crows engine room this season obviously, leaving a lot of the heavy lifting to Sloane. The likes of Ward, Shiel, Coniglio for GWS gives them the upper hand here.
Adelaide Forward Line vs GWS Back Line - HEAVY ADELAIDE
This is where I see it happening.
GWS back line is decimated. They were already short-handed last week and have lost a further 3 defenders in their win over the Bulldogs. All those 3 won't make it up for this week and I don't believe Davis will be back in time.
Put this up against Walker, Lynch and Jenkins with Betts, Cameron and Milera at their feet and that is a very dangerous forward pack.
I'm sure I will have countless more plays to fulfil my action needs but these games take more of my attention and thought.
As always, best of luck to all.