The Cats have an arduous task this week.

Geelong will travel to South Australia and face an Adelaide Crows outfit which has won its past eight games at the Adelaide Oval and five of those eight by six goals or more.

The Crows also have arguably the most dynamic forward line in the competition both on paper and in practice, with sides unable to stop the likes of Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker all at once.

Then of course there is the minor detail of former Crow now Geelong prime mover Patrick Dangerfield returning to face his old side in his old town for the first time.

There’s a lot in this game and a lot to like about it, but for the Cats it is a challenge made even greater given the Crows have a relatively settled 22 that appears likely to make few changes this week.

In-form playmaker David Mackay is a confirmed out after sustaining a hamstring injury in last weekend’s loss to the Western Bulldogs and whilst his absence will be felt, the Crows have an abundance of form in their reserves ready to fill the void.

Big-bodied midfielder Mitch Grigg had 24 disposals, six inside 50s and four clearances last week in the SANFL, whilst similar sort Cameron Ellis-Yolmen had 24 disposals of his own.

Half-back Harrison Wigg went one better to gather 25 disposals and his efficient foot skills might be a like-for-like replacement for Mackay. There is Jarryd Lyons, who was unlucky to lose his spot ahead of round seven having the previous four consecutive matches. He may return straight away after a game at SANFL level.

With one potential change, here is how the Crows are predicted to line up in round eight against the Cats:

OUT: D. Mackay

IN: J. Lyons