<p>The Crows are finally, albeit belatedly, back on primetime.&nbsp;</p> <p>A Friday night clash at the Adelaide Oval against the reigning premier, the Brisbane Lions, awaits. Last year, this matchup at the same venue ended in a draw when both teams were, let's say, ‘just going’. Now, the Crows are absolutely soaring; they might reach for the stars as they head towards their first finals campaign under Matthew Nicks.</p> <p>They gathered more valuable percentage points with their 90-point trouncing of the Sydney Swans, but some questions linger about whether this Adelaide side can compete against a fellow contender. They get a golden opportunity here in the form of the Brisbane Lions, who, despite sitting a clear second on the ladder and half a game off the top spot, are still struggling to find their best football consistently. They probably should have lost last week against Essendon, as they shopped early then went to sleep for the next two-and-a-half quarters before awakening late to secure the win.&nbsp;</p> <p>While the Lions have been inconsistent as a team, Hugh McCluggage has been anything but. With 41 possessions last week against the Dons, he’s surely on track for his first All-Australian blazer later this year.&nbsp;</p> <p>At the selection table, Rory Laird should come straight back in after being ‘managed’ last week. Brodie Smith, who filled in for him, might return to the SANFL as the placeholder. Otherwise, there shouldn’t be too many reasons to change a team that is performing so well.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Lions will be observing whether starting ruck Oscar McInerney can play after missing another game. Kiddy Coleman missed his second consecutive game due to knee swelling after making his comeback from an ACL injury. He’s a key player, so naturally, the Lions will be very careful with him.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also on the comeback trail from an ACL injury is Tom Doedee. The free-agent signing has yet to be capped by the Lions but is making a strong claim after a solid block of football at the lower level. Could he make his Lions debut against his former side?&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Crows vs Lions prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Brisbane Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Adelaide Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Josh Worrell, Jordon Butts, Mitch Hinge</p> <p>HB: Max Michalanney, Mark Keane, Wayne Milera</p> <p>C: Isaac Cumming, Jordan Dawson, Dan Curtin</p> <p>HF: Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe, Josh Rachele</p> <p>F: Alex Neal-Bullen, Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty</p> <p>Foll: Reilly O’Brien, Izak Rankine, Jake Soligo</p> <p>Int: James Peatling, Sam Berry, Rory Laird, Luke Pedlar, Sid Draper</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brisbane Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Dayne Zorko, Jack Payne, Ryan Lester</p> <p>HB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Darcy Wilmot</p> <p>C: Jaspa Fletcher, Hugh McCluggage, Zac Bailey</p> <p>HF: Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Will Ashcroft</p> <p>F: Charlie Cameron, Logan Morris, Callum ah Chee</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Fort, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale</p> <p>Int: Kai Lohmann, Jarrod Berry, Levi Ashcroft, Deven Robertson, Darcy Gardiner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Brisbane Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Lions hold sway in the recent head-to-head battles, winning six of the past 10 matches, including last year's draw.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Crows have their game in order. They’re the second-ranked team overall with the footy and the third-ranked team without the footy. They’re the number one team for scoring points off turnovers and they retain the ball in possession better than any other team in the competition.</p> <p>The Lions are ranked sixth-best on points from turnover and fifth-best in the competition at retaining the ball and chaining to score.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s going to be a fast-paced game with the ball darting up and down Adelaide Oval, with both sides playing very similar styles. Hopefully, it means we get lots of goals with plenty of in-form forwards on both sides.</p> <p>The Crows would love to win this just to really prove again, once and for all, they are legit this year. The home-ground advantage tips it slightly in their favour. Only just though.</p> <p>Betting tip: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-brisbane-lions-9248646">Crows</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>South Australian Lion Zac Bailey is having a career-best season according to AFLStatsPro. Averaging career-best numbers for disposals, marks, tackles, and clearances as he’s been spending some more time in the middle.</p> <p>He’s also getting forward and having plenty of shots on goal, with 18.14 already to his name for the season. He’s our pick to score first and get the visitors off to a big start.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-brisbane-lions-9248646">Zac Bailey</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>We lauded Lion Hugh McCluggage before for his consistent excellence, but he has a partner in crime in the form of Will Ashcroft.</p> <p>Averaging 29.2 disposals over the past five weeks, the Norm Smith Medallist is getting better and better. We’re looking at him to go large here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-brisbane-lions-9248646">Will Ashcroft 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide Crows vs Brisbane Lions Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, June 6th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:40 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Adelaide Oval, Adelaide</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>