<p>Finals footy for 2025 is finally here.</p> <p>After 24 completed home-and-away rounds (25 if you count the Opening Round), we’re finally ready to sprint to the finish line.&nbsp;</p> <p>It starts this year at the Adelaide Oval, where the table-topping Adelaide Crows host their Victorian nemesis, Collingwood, in what is set to be a spicy affair.</p> <p>With a recent history of close games and all the fallout of what happened when these teams clashed at the same venue not even three weeks ago, expect the intensity in this contest to be at fever pitch.</p> <p>Which should be expected when there’s a place in the Preliminary Final on the line.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a blockbuster start to the 2025 Finals Series. Who will emerge in pole position to make the Grand Final?&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Crows vs Pies Qualifying Final prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Collingwood Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>These two sides have met twice this season—and true to form, both encounters were thrillers.</p> <p>In fact, the past six clashes between Adelaide and Collingwood have been decided by 10 points or less.</p> <p>In Round 23, the Crows snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Pies, edging them out by just three points in wild conditions.</p> <p>With a clear night forecast this time around, we’re expecting a showcase of slick ball movement from two of the league’s most dynamic teams when it comes to transitioning up the field.</p> <p>Adelaide has now won nine games in a row heading into their first finals campaign since 2017. Statistically, they boast the second-best overall profile in the competition and the league’s stingiest defence.</p> <p>However, their attacking setup takes a hit without Izak Rankine, who’ll be sidelined for the series. That absence means they’ll need to find some extra spark in the front half—especially through the midfield.</p> <p>Josh Rachele also remains out after a knee injury suffered in Round 16, further testing their forward creativity.</p> <p>On the bright side, Max Michalanney is expected to return from injury. Interestingly, he could be deployed as a forward option rather than in his usual defensive post.</p> <p>Over at Collingwood, their spot in the top four was far from guaranteed late in the season, but they’ve landed there regardless. And with their outstanding record at Adelaide Oval, they won’t mind having to travel for their first final.</p> <p>They’ve won 10 of their past 11 games in Adelaide, and with the fallback of a home final at the MCG if they lose, it’s arguably a position of strength.</p> <p>The Pies, however, have some selection puzzles to solve.</p> <p>Jeremy Howe is out injured—so who fills the hole in defence?</p> <p>Beau McCreery looks set to play after a minor foot injury, while Bobby Hill appears unlikely to travel. There’s also talk of Mason Cox returning to the frame, potentially replacing Dan McStay.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Players To Watch</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Riley Thilthorpe</h3> <p>The Thrill Seeker has grown into the powerhouse many believed he could be this season. And now he gets a chance to make his mark and dominate a big final.</p> <p>With Jeremy Howe ruled out, and the undersized Wil Parker set to take his place, it could see Thilthorpe get former teammate Billy Frampton as a one-on-one match-up.&nbsp;</p> <p>He will have the size advantage. On a clear night, if the supply is good, he could have himself a big night.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Nick Daicos</h3> <p>The little champion carries so much of Collingwood’s fortunes in the midfield.&nbsp;</p> <p>Nick Daicos carries so much of what Collingwood might do in this finals series on his shoulders.&nbsp;</p> <p>We expect him to garner some attention, but as he always does, he will find a way to influence the game and make his presence felt.</p> <p>Can he stamp himself on the first final and deliver an against-the-odds win to put the Pies back in pole position?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Jordan De Goey</h3> <p>As we alluded to in the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/predictions/collingwood-magpies-2025-afl-finals-preview">Pies Finals Preview,</a> there aren’t many players in the comp that set themselves to perform in finals like Jordan De Goey.</p> <p>Ahead of his 14th Finals game, the mid-forward only needs 10 minutes to turn the game on its head. And, with the likely absence of Hill in the Collingwood front half, the Pies number 2 will be called on for a big shift after careful management throughout the season.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Collingwood Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Who Will Win?&nbsp;</h3> <p>It’s shaping up as it did a few weeks ago: one of the league’s best offences (Collingwood) up against one of the league’s best defences (Adelaide).</p> <p>The Crows' defensive setup has become elite, while the Pies' backline—especially without Howe—has shown vulnerability.</p> <p>Last time out, the Crows withstood 70+ inside 50s and still managed to win. But if the Pies get that level of supply again, they won’t waste as many chances. Adelaide must find a more sustainable way to defend across the ground.</p> <p>Experience heavily favours Collingwood (275 games of finals experience vs. Adelaide’s 51). Will that count?</p> <p>Despite the Pies’ great record at Adelaide Oval, the Crows have been nearly unbeatable at home in 2025. Even without Rankine, their form, balance, and depth across the ground give them the edge.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-collingwood-9551766">Crows</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Big-name players set themselves up for big things in big finals.&nbsp;</p> <p>The man who led the Crows in their last finals appearance, Taylor Walker, will run out for his 300th game on Thursday night. Still one of the best sharpshooters in the game, if Adelaide Oval wasn't already at fever pitch, imagine it goes off after Tex dobs the first?</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-collingwood-9551766">Taylor Walker</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>As one of only a handful of current Crows who have graced the Finals football stage, Jordan Dawson will set himself up for a big performance for his younger charges.&nbsp;</p> <p>His recent history against Collingwood is strong, averaging 28.8 touches in his past five games against the Pies.&nbsp;</p> <p>We think he’ll light up the biggest stage and top the disposal charts.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-collingwood-9551766">Jordan Dawson 28+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide Crows vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Thursday, September 4th, 2025</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>