Preview: West Coast v Adelaide

VENUE & TIME: Subiaco Oval, Saturday 24 May, 7:40pm AEST.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 31. West Coast 17, Adelaide 14.
LAST TIME: Adelaide 21.7 (133) def. West Coast 8.9 (57), Round 2, 2008 at Football Park.

WALKING WOUNDED: Adelaide's impressive start to the season coincides with a decent run in the sick bay. Only Rhett Biglands (knee) won't play again this year. Tall recruit Brad Moran (hamstring) is a month away, Brad Symes (hamstring) probably another fortnight out, but Kris Massie (hamstring) could resume. West Coast could regain one-time good luck charm Ashley Hansen (hamstring). There's bad news for those who like a bit of biff with their footy; Beau Waters (groin) won't be playing. Chad Jones (ankle), Shannon Hurn (fractured fibula) and Mark LeCras (groin) will have time to keep the tough as nails defender out of mischief.

FORM: The Eagles were gutsy as you can be when a seventh straight loss comes your way. They pushed the Kangaroos in the unfamiliar surrounds of Carrara before falling by a goal. The defeat leaves the 2006 premiers 1-7 for the season after an opening-round triumph over the Lions. Neil Craig was lying through his teeth in his post-match media conference or has a very powerful side. After toying with Melbourne in a 76-point thrashing the Crows boss said there was still improvement to come from the 6-2 outfit and he believes they are still well off the pace of the best teams.

WHO'S HOT: Hard to split this pair, mainly because they look almost identical. Bernie Vince and Nathan Van Berlo have stepped up in the Crows midfield in 2008. We'll tell you about Van Berlo this week, who had 25 disposals against the Demons after a season-high 27 the round before opposed to the Kangaroos. The 21-year-old now has 61 games to his credit and looks like he belongs. Question marks have been raised about a number of high-profile Eagles this season, but not Dean Cox. The athletic big man once again proved his class and courage in a best afield display against the Kangaroos. He had 24 touches, dominated the hitouts with 27 and almost got his side over the line. Will need to be at his best again this week.

WE THINK: West Coast showed signs of improvement last start and should head home expecting a performance equal in endeavour. Cox was brilliant in the ruck and gives his side an edge most weeks. Andrew Embley and youngster Chris Masten were impressive in a midfield desperately lacking some polish. The good signs for John Worsfold will be dulled by the fact his side sits last in the league for 'one-percenters' and tackles in 2008. The Eagles don't seem hungry enough. Adelaide, on the other hand, unearthed a potent-looking forward line full of talls against the Demons and has matchwinner Brett Burton in form. The improving on-ball brigade headed by Scott Thompson and a miserly defence which launches plenty of attack should prove far too strong, even at Subiaco. Adelaide by 38 points.