Adelaide v North Melbourne, Adelaide Oval Sunday, March 30, 2.50pm ACDT

Last time: Adelaide 20.18 (138) d North Melbourne 12.9 (81), R7 2024

What it means

Adelaide is finally living up to its promise after seven seasons spent out of finals and largely in the wilderness. The Crows have started with two impressive wins as they brushed aside a pair of teams that have finished around them in recent years but with bigger tests to come now won't want to slip up against a Kangaroos outfit suddenly also on the rise.

North Melbourne has staggered through a horror five-season stretch but finally had a glimpse into where the long journey could end up with a stirring win over Melbourne. The Kangaroos dismantled one of the top onball brigades as their own finely-crafted midfield dominated the clearances as the side piled on their second-highest score since 2019 to spark fresh hope for the future.

Game shapers

Rory Laird spent four years playing a critical role in holding a rebuilding Adelaide's midfield together but with the emergence of fresh talent has turned back the clock with a return to defence. The 31-year-old will play his 250th match in the familiar role at half-back where he won two All-Australian blazers and now brings a wealth of experience and makes good decisions coming out of defence.

Tristan Xerri took a huge leap toward stamping himself as the premier ruck in the competition as he outpointed Melbourne skipper Max Gawn last week while gathering 20 disposals, 12 clearances, 10 score involvements and a goal. The Roos ruck is like another midfielder with his ability to win the ball at stoppages and will be a key to his side finding the ascendancy in clearances against the Crows.