The 2026 AFL season is officially heading to South Australia for Gather Round and we’re kicking off proceedings with a high-stakes Thursday night rumble between the Adelaide Crows and the Carlton Blues.

Both sides have stumbled out of the blocks with identical 1-3 records, sitting outside the top 10.

This is ideal news for South Australian footy fans who will have a desperate clash on the agenda for Thursday night at Gather Round.

Adelaide fans are still nursing the heartbreak of three consecutive losses by a combined margin of just 16 points. Their most recent outing was a 78-76 nail-biter against Fremantle that ended with a last-second smother on James Peatling.

Meanwhile, the Blues are dealing with their own demons after a 22-point lead evaporated against North Melbourne on Good Friday, once again, grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory.

With both teams eager to spark their 2026 campaigns, the atmosphere at Adelaide Oval will be electric.

The Crows have held the wood over Carlton recently, winning their last four encounters, including a 60-point demolition last season.

Will the home crowd carry the Crows to a much-needed victory, or can Michael Voss’s men silence the South Australian faithful and avoid another late game fade-out?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Round 5 prediction and preview below.

Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

We think the Crows are primed to finally break their losing streak in front of a rabid home crowd. Adelaide has been plagued by slow starts this season, often leaving themselves with too much ground to make up in the final term.

However, they face a Carlton side that is effectively a walking infirmary in the defensive 50.

The Blues will be without superstar defender Jacob Weitering, who entered concussion protocols following a nasty head injury against the Kangaroos.

Without their general down back, the Blues' depleted defence will struggle to contain Adelaide’s talls in Riley Thilthorpe and Taylor Walker.

If the Crows can provide silver-service delivery to their forwards, this could turn into a long night for the visitors.

Carlton’s tendency for final-quarter fadeouts is a massive red flag, and we expect the Crows to exploit that lack of late-game composure.

Betting tip: Adelaide Crows by 33 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

When it comes to the opening goal at Adelaide Oval, no matter the game, All Australian Riley Thilthorpe is a huge chance to be the man early.

He thrives on the big stage at home and with Carlton missing their best intercept marker in Weitering, the Thill Seeker should find plenty of space to lead and mark early against a relatively inexperienced defence.

Riley Thilthorpe should score early and often in this one.

Betting tip: Riley Thilthorpe.

Most Disposals Prediction

Even when the Blues are struggling, Sam Walsh remains a consistent performer.

He consistently racks up good numbers, regardless of the scoreboard. His work rate and fitness in the transition from defence to attack is underrated.

Expect the midfielder to pop-up everywhere and help prevent the Crows from getting too far ahead early.

Betting tip: Sam Walsh.

Odds are subject to change. *

Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues Predicted Teams

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: James Borlase, Nick Murray, Max Michalanney

HB: Hugh Bond, Josh Worrell, Wayne Milera

C: Izak Rankine, Jordan Dawson (c), Brayden Cook

HF: Ben Keays, Taylor Walker, Zac Taylor

FF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Riley Thilthorpe, Finnbar Maley

FOLL: Lachlan McAndrew, Sam Berry, Josh Rachele

I/C: Luke Pedlar, Jake Soligo, Reilly O’Brien, James Peatling, Chayce Jones

Carlton Blues Predicted Team List

FB: Nic Newman, Brodie Kemp, Lachlan Cowan

HB: Jordan Boyd, Mitch McGovern, Oliver Florent

C: Matthew Carroll, Patrick Cripps (c), Oliver Hollands

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Harry McKay, Francis Evans

FF: Jagga Smith, Wade Derksen, Ashton Moir

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, George Hewett, Sam Walsh

I/C: Elijah Hollands, Will Hayward, Lewis Young, Adam Cerra, Talor Byrne

Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues Match Details

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:30pm ACST / 8:00pm AEDT.

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

How to Watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.