Adelaide Crows vs Melbourne Demons Prediction: Crows expected to struggle once again

Round 4 of the AFL will commence on Thursday morning, featuring a match between the Adelaide Crows and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval. The Adelaide Crows, with a winless record of 0-3, are eagerly seeking victory, though facing the resilient Melbourne Demons (2-1) presents a formidable challenge. In the following analysis, I will provide an in-depth examination of the matchup and offer a prediction.

The Adelaide Crows were already feeling the heat prior to their recent match in Perth, but their 34-69 defeat against the Freemantle Dockers only intensified the pressure. Their tally of 34 points last weekend marks their lowest score in any game since Round 17 of 2021, raising significant concerns, particularly considering their potent offense last season, where they ranked second in the league with an average of 95.4 points per game. However, this season, they're averaging only 55 points per game across three rounds. In response to their dismal start, the Adelaide Crows have made five changes at the selection table, three of which are unforced. Jordan Butts has been brought in as an important addition to the defense, while Sam Berry will have an opportunity to redeem himself after a subpar performance in Round 2.

The Melbourne Demons head into Round 4 with a surge of confidence, having secured three consecutive victories following their initial defeat to the Sydney Swans in the opening round. Their upcoming match will be their second consecutive game at Adelaide Oval, following a hard-fought win against the Port Adelaide Power last weekend, with a final score of 96-89. Despite facing significant challenges early in the season, the Melbourne Demons' current three-game winning streak is particularly impressive. They displayed remarkable resilience against the Power, managing to secure a victory despite being outplayed in the inside 50 count by 21 (45-66). Additionally, there's positive news for the Demons as two-time All-Australian defender Steven May is poised to return to the lineup after missing the last game due to rib bruising. He will seamlessly rejoin the defensive lineup, replacing Marty Hore, who is sidelined for the next month due to a thumb injury.

The Adelaide Crows have faced considerable difficulties this season, notably in their inability to effectively advance the ball with precision. When confronted with challenges, they tend to falter, allowing their opponents to gain momentum and dominate the game. I doubt they can rectify these issues overnight, so my prediction leans towards the Melbourne Demons securing victory. The Adelaide Crows' defense might be the only factor preventing a significant point disparity, resulting in what is likely to be a low-scoring contest.