<p>Things couldn’t be going much better for Matthew Nicks and his Adelaide Crows.</p> <p>Entering the year under pressure and needing a good season to save his job, he couldn’t have imagined things turning out this well.</p> <p>The Crows sit second on the ladder with four weeks remaining in the home-and-away season and have been enjoying the spoils of victory following their 98-point win in last week's Showdown. After five consecutive wins, they face another challenge to their credentials against a Hawthorn team that has rediscovered its Hokball mojo.&nbsp;</p> <p>While they weren’t at their barnstorming best against Carlton, they did enough to gap the game significantly in the opening quarter to ensure the result wasn't a question early. Ultimately winning by 24 points when the final siren sounded.&nbsp;</p> <p>The biggest positive for the Hawks and Sam Mitchell was likely the answer to what his best forward structure looks like, with Calsher Dear, Mitch Lewis coming in to partner veteran Jack Gunston. All three were among the goals and worked well together, creating space for each other. Additionally, the return of key midfielder Will Day provided a crucial boost in the middle of the ground. His impact was immediate and clear, making the Hawks more dangerous in the run home and through the finals.</p> <p>A win here for the Crows will almost certainly secure their place in the finals for the first time since 2017 and could elevate them to a top-four or even top-two finish. The Hawks, who will begin the round in fifth place, are one of the clump of five teams on 13 wins and are shooting for a top-four finish themselves with a win here. A place they will again temporarily assume if they get up here.&nbsp;</p> <p>If they lose, and other results go as expected, then it’s back to the fight to even make it for Sammy Mitchell’s men.&nbsp;</p> <p>At selection, the Crows will be forced into one change after key defender Max Michalanney injured his hamstring during the big Showdown win, ruling him out for at least the rest of the home-and-away season. Veteran defender Brodie Smith is the likely replacement. Meanwhile, midfielder Matt Crouch is making a case to return to the team after a strong SANFL performance, collecting 35 touches as he continues his comeback from injury.</p> <p>The Hawks come into the game injury-free, and it’s unlikely they will make any forced changes, although Mabior Chol could be available again. Still, why disrupt the well-functioning forward trio from last week? It’s going to be a cracking game!</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Crows vs Hawks prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Hawthorn Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Adelaide Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Josh Worrell, Nick Murray, Rory Laird</p> <p>HB: Wayne Milera, Mark Keane, Brodie Smith</p> <p>C: Jake Soligo, Jordan Dawson, Dan Curtin</p> <p>HF: Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe. Alex Neal-Bullen</p> <p>F: Izak Rankine, Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker</p> <p>Foll: Reilly O’Brien, Sm Berry, James Peatling</p> <p>Int: Luke Pedlar, Zac Taylor, Mitch Hinge, Brayden Cook, Matt Crouch&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Hawthorn Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: James Sicily, Josh Battle, Blake Hardwick</p> <p>HB: Jarman Impey, Tom Barass, Jack Scrimshaw</p> <p>C: Karl Amon, James Worpel, Massimo D’Ambrosio</p> <p>HF: Dylan Moore, Calsher Dear, Nick Watson</p> <p>F: Jack Ginnivan, Mitch Lewis, Jack Gunston</p> <p>Foll: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Will Day</p> <p>Int: Josh Ward, Connor Macdonald, Bailey Macdonald, Conor Nash, Harry Morrison</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Hawthorn Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Hawks hold sway in the head-to-head, winning four of the past five matches against the Crows, including the last three.</p> <p>Both these sides boast top-four defensive profiles, ranking second and third, respectively, for both total points against and conceding opposition points off turnover.</p> <p>The Crows have the edge on offence, ranking third best overall, and are the best team at scoring off turnover in the competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>It would be a huge feather in the Hawks’ cap if they can curb the Crows’ scoring machine that is their three-pronged tall forward line.&nbsp;</p> <p>Crows skipper Jordan Dawson commands some opposition attention, but the Crows midfield has added weapons this year in Berry and Soligo that can get off the chain. Then there’s Izak Rankine, who goes through there still despite him spending more time closer to goal since the injury to Josh Rachele.</p> <p>While the Hawks are capable of coming to town and causing a boilover, we’re backing the home side here, they’re playing too irresistibly to back against at the moment</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-hawthorn-9433211">Crows</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>It might not have netted a career-best haul of goals, but last Thursday night was certainly the night where Calsher Dear showed the most promise he has had on an AFL field.&nbsp;</p> <p>Two goals and a big hanger, he’s been in supreme goalkicking form since his return from injury. We’re backing him for the first goal of the night here.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-hawthorn-9433211">Calsher Dear</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>We nailed it with Jake Soligo last week; he ran amok for the Crows and was stiff not to come away with another Showdown Medal.&nbsp;</p> <p>With Dawson most likely to cop attention and the hard tag from Conor Nash, it means that he’ll likely be free to get off the chain again. We’re going to double dip!</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-hawthorn-9433211">Jake Soligo 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide Crows vs Hawthorn Hawks Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, August 1, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:40pm - AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Adelaide Oval, Adelaide</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>