Two of the competition's form teams do battle when Adelaide hosts Collingwood to open Round 20 of the AFL season.

These sides have already crossed paths in 2026, with the Crows shutting the Pies out to win 93-79 at the MCG during Round 1. Wayne Milera was the architect off half-back that day, finishing with 34 disposals, eight score involvements and 673 metres gained.

Adelaide's form continues to gather momentum. Last Friday, the Crows claimed an 87-71 victory over the Swans at the SCG, becoming the only side to defeat Sydney on their home turf this season.

They've now won each of their last seven home matches and the Adelaide Oval faithful will be expecting number eight on Thursday night.

The Pies arrive on the back of a five-game winning streak after knocking off Carlton 90-69 at the MCG on Saturday.

Nick Daicos was outstanding again, racking up 36 disposals and 10 score involvements despite the Blues' best efforts to contain him.

One note of caution for the Crows: spearhead Darcy Fogarty misses through suspension, with Taylor Walker slotting back into the side. 

And big Tex’s first goal will be his 700th in senior football - an exceptional achievement from the club legend who’s still kicking goals after 18 years in the top league. 

With both sides pushing hard for a top-four spot and each of the last seven meetings going under the total match points line, all the ingredients are in place for another tight one.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Adelaide Crows vs Collingwood Magpies Round 20 prediction and preview below.

Adelaide Crows vs Collingwood Magpies Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

These two only know how to play thrillers. Adelaide accounted for the Pies back in Round 1, and we can all still picture Collingwood's dramatic win on the road in last season's Qualifying Final.

A win slides the Crows up towards the top four, while a Pies win lands them at the front of the Wildcard queue.

Two of the game's best step into the ring, with Nick Daicos, the third-rated player in the competition, up against Jordan Dawson, the eighth-rated. Ed Allan will be walking towards Dawson at the opening bounce and we dare say James Peatling might attempt the task of tagging Daicos.

With Fogarty out, Tex Walker slides back in and his first goal will be his 700th. Izak Rankine has been at his ball-winning best and the Thrill Seeker found some form with a game-sealing goal against the Swans.

With both sides in form at the right time, we think the Crows have the firepower to get it done in this one.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 13 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Josh Rachele is often at his most dangerous in the opening minutes and Thursday night at home presents the perfect stage. 

If the Crows get the early run they're capable of at home, Rachele is the one most likely to put the opener through.

Betting tip: Josh Rachele first goal scorer.

Most Disposals Prediction

This one barely warrants debate. Nick Daicos is undoubtedly due for a Brownlow in 2026 and he racks up touches at a rate that makes most midfielders look average.

Even with James Peatling assigned to shadow him, Daicos has the class and movement to find the ball regardless.

He did it against Carlton with 36 and will be pushing for more of the same on Thursday.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos most disposals.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Adelaide Crows 1-39 / Riley Thilthorpe 2+ Goals / Nick Daicos 28+ Disposals / Ben Keays Anytime Goal.

Odds are subject to change.*

Adelaide Crows vs Collingwood Magpies Predicted Teams

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: Max Michalanney, James Borlase, Mark Keane

HB: Wayne Milera, Josh Worrell, Brayden Cook

C: Ben Keays, Jordan Dawson, Luke Nankervis

HF: Josh Rachele, Riley Thilthorpe, Izak Rankine

FF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Taylor Walker, Jake Soligo

FOLL: Lachlan McAndrew, Sam Berry, Daniel Curtin,

I/C: Zac Taylor, Toby Murray, James Peatling, Isaac Cumming, Hugo Hall-Kahan

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Billy Frampton, Liam Puncher, Brayden Maynard

HB: Dan Houston, Josh Daicos, Isaac Quaynor

C: Patrick Lipinski, Edward Allen, Jack Crisp

HF: Harvey Harrison, Nick Daicos, Beau McCreery

FF: Daniel McStay, Angus Anderson, Tim Membrey

FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Ned Long, Jordan De Goey, 

I/C: Harry Perryman, Steele Sidebottom, Sam Swadling, Scott Pendlebury, Charlie West

Adelaide Crows vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:30PM

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

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