A sneaky game of the round contender in the Saturday twilight at the Adelaide Oval?
Adelaide was the centre of the AFL universe last week, and we’re back at the Adelaide Oval for what shapes up to be a fun match between the Crows and the Giants.
The Crows exploded out of the blocks against the Cats and held a five-goal lead before a match-winning display from a superstar they used to know - Patrick Dangerfield- ripped the game away from them in a dominant display.
It leaves the Crows on a two-game losing streak, and they are desperate to stop the skid after a promising start to the season. The pair of narrow defeats to the Suns and Cats leaves the Crows needing a scalp. That scalp could come in the form of the GWS Giants.
The Giants, fresh off flexing their muscles against the Saints, are making the most of their extended road trip and now find themselves nestled inside the top four and playing with a clear edge.
Returning to Adelaide Oval, their fifth different venue for the season, holds no fears for the Giants. They have an even record at the Adelaide Oval and are on track at this stage to make amends for their straight-sets exit last year.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Crows vs Giants predictions and preview below.
Adelaide vs GWS Giants Predicted Teams
Adelaide Predicted Team
B: Mitch Hinge, Nick Murray, Rory Laird
HB: Wayne Milera, Mark Keane, Josh Worrell
C: Isaac Cumming, Jordan Dawson, Lachie Sholl
HF: Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe, Izak Rankine
F: Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker, Alex Neal-Bullen
Foll: Reilly O’Brien, Jake Soligo, Matt Crouch
Int: Max Michalanney, Dan Curtin, Sid Draper, Luke Nankervis, Zac Taylor
GWS Giants Predicted Team
B: Harry Himmelberg, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun
HB: Lachie Ash, Jack Buckley, Lachie Whitfield
C: Callan Ward, Finn Callagnhan, Harvey Thomas
HF: Toby Bedford, Jake Stringer, Darcy Jones
F: Aaron Cadman, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene
Foll: Kieren Briggs, Josh Kelly, Tom Green
Int: Jacob Wehr, Jake Riccardi, Connor Stone, Callum Brown, Xavier O’Halloran
Adelaide vs GWS Giants Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
The Giants have had the better of the Crows in recent times, winning four of the last five on the head-to-head. That is despite the Crows’ winning the last meeting in the one match they played last season.
This one looms as the battle of the forward lines. Walker, Fogarty, and Thilthorpe at one end and Hogan, Cadman, Stringer, and Toby Greene at the other.
For all the scoring power that the Crows possess, their defence has come under the microscope in recent weeks. While they score heavily themselves, they sit third for points against this season.
The Giants have moved to become the number one defence in the competition, and their forward group, as mentioned before, has started to gel nicely with the addition of Jake Stringer.
The Crows' big man, Riley Thilthorpe, had a quiet night against the Cats and is set to come up in a formidable contest against Sam Taylor, who is widely regarded as the best defender in the game.
It’s shaping up to be a shootout. The Giants should be favoured, despite being the away team, but the Crows have a bit to play for after they have slid down a rung from their strong start.
It will be a fun game to watch as a neutral, but expect the ‘Big Big Sound’ to blast loudly when all is said and done.
Betting tip: GWS Giants
First Goal Prediction
We know that Thilthorpe will be tied up with Sam Taylor, which will mean that Taylor Walker likely gets Jack Buckley. Which leaves Darcy Fogarty against the likes of Harry Himmelberg or even a Connor Idun to do the job.
If he gets separation and space early, he’s got one of the purest kicking actions for a goal in the game. He could set the crowd alight early.
Betting tip: Darcy Fogarty
Most Disposals Prediction
Of all the big-name Giants that take the limelight and all the plaudits, others just continue to get the job done. Lachie Ash is one of those.
A high pick in his own right, Ash has built to yet another level this season. Averaging 27.4 disposals per game and coming off a season-high 33 touches against the Saints. He’s gaining recognition for what he can do but is still considered an outsider in the market.
We’re backing him to go big again
Betting tip: Lachie Ash 25 + disposals
Adelaide vs GWS Giants Match Details
Date: Saturday, April 19th
First Bounce: 4:15 PM, AEST
Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
How to watch: Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports