The Western Bulldogs have gotten “superstars in all places”, however Adelaide are backing themselves to tug off an upset in Sunday’s AFL conflict at Adelaide Oval.
The Crows had been touted as a severe finals contender heading into 2024, however their 7-12-1 report means they may spend a seventh-straighth season within the wilderness.
It is a completely different story for the Bulldogs, who’ve received six of their previous seven video games to shoot into calculations for a top-four berth.
The transfer of Rory Lobb into defence has been a masterstroke, whereas skipper Marcus Bontempelli is in career-best contact and an opportunity to win this yr’s Brownlow medal.
Though the Bulldogs are scorching favourites to beat Adelaide, the Crows have confirmed their capabilities of pulling off huge upsets.
Adelaide have overwhelmed Carlton, Port Adelaide, GWS and Essendon this yr and got here near downing Collingwood, Brisbane and Geelong.
Crows defender Max Michalanney has been impressed by the Bulldogs’ kind, however he is assured Adelaide have what it takes to tug off the win.
“The Doggies are flying in the meanwhile, so it will be problem for us,” Michalanney instructed reporters on Saturday.
“For those who look throughout their complete workforce, they have superstars in all places.
“We’re going into the sport fairly assured that we have additionally bought the personnel to match that.
“Hopefully we’ll beat them within the contest and get the win.”
Sunday’s match marks Adelaide’s final house recreation of the season given they would be the ‘away’ workforce in opposition to Port subsequent week, earlier than ending their marketing campaign in opposition to Sydney on the SCG.
Adelaide are eager to ship their followers off with a smile.
“The Crows followers have caught with us all through the entire season,” Michalanney mentioned.
“Sadly we have not given them the wins they needed.
“Hopefully within the final house recreation we are able to get the win for them and provides them one thing to cheer about.”
Michalanney is a defender by commerce however has loved his current stints within the midfield.
It means he is an opportunity to return face-to-face with Bontempelli on Sunday.
“I am open to something the coaches wish to throw at me,” Michalanney replied when requested about whether or not he’d prefer to play on Bontempelli.
“I’ve actually loved my time within the midfield.
“I’ve performed most of my footy down again, so in the meanwhile I am extra snug down there.
“However hopefully after one other huge pre-season I am going to be capable to play a bit extra within the midfield subsequent yr.”
Bontempelli has been named to play regardless of injuring his ankle at coaching through the week.
The Crows welcome again Izak Rankine from his four-match suspension.
