AFL: Crows out to build on Blues win

Adelaide picked up their first win of the season with a thrilling victory over Carlton, and will be keen to back it up against Essendon on Friday night.

Following a 0-4 start to the season, the pressure was mounting on the Crows, but they managed to stun Carlton with a two-point win.

If the win over the Blues does kick-start their season, then Adelaide can still be backed at 6.00 to make the top eight this season.

Essendon also head in to the clash on the back of a convincing win over the Western Bulldogs, so confidence should be high.

The Bombers have started the season 3-2 to put them ninth on the ladder, and they can be backed at 3.60 to make the eight and play finals.

They have won the last six games against the Crows and will be targeting number seven under the lights at the Adelaide Oval.

. What: Adelaide v Essendon
. Where: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
. When: 19:40 (AEST), Friday 19th April 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Adelaide 1.47, Essendon 2.70

Crows up and running

Adelaide were not given a hope when they travelled to take on Carlton, but ended up leaving Melbourne with the four points thanks to a stunning 100-98 victory.

But now they must back it up by beating Essendon at the Adelaide Oval, which has not been a happy home venue so far this campaign.

The Crows have lost to both Melbourne and Geelong and need to make the venue a fortress if they are to start climbing the ladder.

They do not have a great record against the Bombers either, losing the last three games against them.

However all three were in Melbourne and the Crows will be hoping home advantage will help them over the line on this occasion.

It is likely to be a close encounter and the Crows can be backed at 6.00 to win by 1-12 points.

Taylor Walker was a key figure in the win over Carlton when booting four goals in the game, and will need to step up again.

The star forward can be backed at 8.00 to kick the first goal of the game.

Josh Rachele also stood out against Carlton with two goals and 15 disposals, and the 21-year-old is 1.19 to score another at anytime.

Bombers search for consistency

It has been a solid start to the season for the Bombers, who now need to find some consistency if they are to play finals.

They continue to win one then lose one, and will be keen to pick up back-to-back wins for the first time this campaign.

The Bombers have won the last six games against the Crows, but the last three wins have all been on home soil, so need to transfer that to the road.

Essendon do not have happy memories of their last trip to Adelaide Oval either, when they were smashed by Port Adelaide in Gather Round.

Port won by a massive 69 points, but at least Essendon bounced back well with a 29-point win at Western Bulldogs last weekend.

Essendon would take a win by any kind of margin as they look to kick on, and can be backed at 6.00 to win by 1-12 points.

Kyle Langford was on form against the Bulldogs with three goals in the game, and is 9.50 to get the first of the game here.