Ladder leader Adelaide wary of wounded Hawks

AFL pacesetter Adelaide is wary of a wounded Hawthorn before Thursday night’s game in the South Australian capital.

The Crows will start warm favourites but ruckman Sam Jacobs says they are on guard for the “dangerous” Hawks.

“You would be silly to write an Alastair Clarkson-coached team off,” Jacobs said yesterday.

“They’re the only team to beat Sydney in the last six weeks and Sydney are really starting to come now.”

Hawthorn is 17th, but backman Grant Birchall could return from a knee injury.

“They have had an up-anddown season but they’re recent champions and have got some fantastic players,” Jacobs said.

“Luke Hodge, and Grant Birchall is probably close as well, these are champions.

“So it’s going to be another good contest.”

The Crows return from a bye weekend with Mitch McGovern (hamstring), Paul Seedsman (groin) and Kyle Cheney (groin) in state-league ranks after long-term injuries.

Adelaide defeated Hawthorn in Round 2 when Jacobs was a standout performer. The 29-year-old is in AllAustralian contention.

“Hitouts is probably not the best stat that I look at, it’s more the hitouts to advantage,” he said.

“I do feel I’m more wellrounded, I’m just chasing that consistency.” AAP