Essendon v Adelaide, MCG Saturday, March 22, 1.20pm AEDT

Last time: Adelaide 17.13 (115) d Essendon 17.11 (113), R19 2024

What it means

There is little love lost between the teams after a couple of cliffhangers last year including a contentious victory for Essendon and Adelaide later snapping a seven-match losing streak in their clashes. The Bombers have a new look this season as they are prepared to take a step back in the hope for a huge leap forward but will have no excuses against a side largely seen to be in a similar position.

Adelaide began its season in blistering fashion with a resounding win over St Kilda but still has some way to go to prove that it can do much the same anytime and anywhere. The Crows are searching for consistency after seven seasons without finals but could make a huge statement that they are finally ready to put that horror stretch behind them with a first win at the MCG since 2017.

Game shapers

Sam Draper battled with injury over the past couple of seasons but looked fit and firing last week as he went head-to-head with Hawthorn's in-form ruck Lloyd Meek. The 26-year-old will now hope to prove he is again nearing his best as he faces the side that cast him as a villain after he was a main player in a controversial late decision that helped the Bombers to win over the Crows last year.

Josh Rachele ended last season struggling to make the most of his obvious talent for Adelaide even while hitting the scoreboard regularly enough as a crafty forward. The 21-year-old showed that he could be ready to take his game to a new level this year as he got involved in more play up the field in the crushing win over St Kilda with 21 disposals as well as adding a pair of goals.