Last time we met

Collingwood 78 d Adelaide 73 (Round 12, 2021)

Our first interstate win of the season, you might also remember this one as the match where Adelaide footy-goers were implored to duck and avoid touching the ball if it soared into the stands. We kicked five goals straight from 11 first-quarter entries inside 50, including four to Jamie Elliott in his first game back from a fractured leg. He ended the game with six majors, while Jack Crisp notched up 31 disposals and nine marks. Rory Laird and Paul Seedsman starred for the Crows. The lead changed several times in the final term and the Pies held on to win a thriller.

Key match-ups

Taylor Adams v Ben Keays

Adams finished with 11 clearances, 25 disposals, 16 contested possessions and seven score involvements against the Saints last week... say no more. Keays gathered 37 disposals in round one and snapped the almost-goal that would have won the Crows the match, if not for the all-time Heath Chapman spoil. Elevated to the leadership group this season, Keays wins the ball on the inside, his work rate is elite and he reliably impacts the scoreboard. Both crucial midfield cogs for their respective sides, expect this to be a fierce match-up.

Brodie Grundy v Reilly O'Brien

Also recently elevated to the Crows' leadership group, O'Brien missed much of 2021 through injury but has carried consistent form through pre-season games and into round one, notching up six score involvements last week. Grundy had six score involvements of his own in round one, as well as five inside 50s and nine contested possessions. Grundy announced during the pre-season that he's striving for a return to career-best form and O'Brien will also want to recapture the impressive ruck craft he was producing before his knee injury.

Look out for

The Pies tackle count. We were ranked the number one team for fourth-quarter pressure last round and under Craig McRae that fighting spirit is part of our 'new DNA'. Collingwood made 60 tackles against St Kilda, with Beau McCreery's tackle on Brad Hill epitomising the never-say-die attitude the Pies have embraced.

The inside word

Collingwood kicked over 100 points on Friday night for the first time since round two last year. McRae's attacking game style sees players run and carry at every opportunity, always pushing towards goals. Expect to see more run and dare again this week.