Round 24 of the AFL season takes us to Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, where the Crows have a top-six spot in their sights and a chance to sidestep the Wildcard Finals Round altogether.

The equation isn't entirely in their hands. To finish sixth or higher, Adelaide need to win and then hope results fall their way elsewhere. Anything less and they'll be hosting a Wildcard game instead.

Their double-chance hopes are already gone, ended by a 112-88 loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium last Friday. There were positives in defeat, chief among them Izak Rankine, who bettered his career-high disposal tally for the second week running with 39 touches, 13 score involvements and a goal.

GWS arrive with nothing left to chase. The Giants did what was required with a 111-57 win over West Coast on Sunday afternoon, but Carlton's draw with the Bulldogs later that day ended their Wildcard hopes, leaving them six points adrift of the top 10 heading into the final round.

That's a difficult place to find motivation, particularly on the road, against a higher ranked side with a genuine reason to turn up.

These two haven't met at all in the 2026 home-and-away season. The last meeting came in Round 6 last year, when Adelaide got the job done 52-34 in a low-scoring affair.

One team is auditioning for September. The other is already thinking about the draft.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Round 24 prediction and preview below.

Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Adelaide went to WA and fell short. Again.

They were honest and gritty, but once more came up short against a very good opponent. Now they get to come home, where they should deal with GWS without too much trouble, and depending on how the rest of the weekend falls, that may still mean a Wildcard clash at Adelaide Oval.

I've said this before, and it's worth saying again: a home finals loss for Adelaide will be catastrophic. It would cast serious doubt over the coach and whether someone else could bring more out of this group.

The Giants have nothing to play for and with the way their season has unravelled in the last month - they probably don’t deserve a Wildcard opportunity.

The Crows have the edge in class and motivation and will likely be too much for GWS here.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 28 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

The Thrill Seeker will be keen to kick himself into some form ahead of the finals.

Big Riley Thilthorpe is a good chance to find some early ball at home and slot the opener, particularly against a GWS defence that has plenty of other things on their mind, like what to wear to Mad Monday.

Adelaide will look to establish something early in front of their home fans and Thilthorpe is their biggest weapon inside 50.

Betting tip: Riley Thilthorpe.

Most Disposals Prediction

Izak Rankine is hitting form at exactly the right time.

He's racked up 36 and 39 disposals in the past fortnight, both against quality opposition. The barometer for where the Crows are at with their footy has been electric lately and Adelaide are likely the only Wildcard bound team who can make an impact on this finals series.

Rankine will be on a mission to make amends for missing last year's finals series through suspension. Expect him to be everywhere.

Betting tip: Izak Rankine.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Riley Thilthorpe 3+ goals, Izak Rankine 30+ disposals, Adelaide Crows by 1-39, Toby Greene 2+ goals.

Odds are subject to change.*

Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Predicted Teams

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: Max Michalanney, Josh Worrell, James Borlase

HB: Rory Laird, Mark Keane, Zac Taylor

C: Callum Ah Chee, Jordan Dawson, Sam Berry

HF: Josh Rachele, Riley Thilthorpe, Luke Nankervis

FF: Daniel Curtin, Darcy Fogarty, Brayden Cook

FOLL: Lachlan McAndrew, Izak Rankine, Jake Soligo

I/C: Ben Keays, Toby Murray, James Peatling, Isaac Cumming, Hugo Hall-Kahan

GWS Giants Predicted Team List

FB: Joe Fonti, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun

HB: Lachie Whitfield, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Ash

C: Ryan Angwin, Clayton Oliver, Harvey Thomas

HF: Josaia Delana, Max Gruzewski, Stephen Coniglio

FF: Jake Stringer, Aaron Cadman, Callum Brown

FOLL: Nicholas Madden, Toby Greene, Harry Rowston

I/C: Riley Hamilton, Kieren Briggs, Cody Angove, Conor Stone, Toby McMullin

Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants Match Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026.

First Bounce: 8:10pm AEST (7:40pm ACST)

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports