Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs Prediction - Round 2 2026

The Adelaide Crows and Western Bulldogs have winning records to start the 2026 AFL season.

Both teams can send a warning shot to the competition when they meet at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

Round 1 saw the Crows exorcise one of last September’s demons by overcoming Collingwood in a close contest, doing so at the MCG for the first time since 2014.

This week offers the opportunity for Adelaide to reclaim its dominance at home, being embarrassed at home twice in last year’s finals series, leading to a straight sets exit.

Reclaiming the home-ground advantage will be critical if Matthew Nicks' men are to push for a better result this season.  

The Bulldogs may be the toughest challenge in footy right now, full of confidence after two statement victories to start 2026, including Saturday’s 134-53 shellacking of GWS.

Marcus Bontempelli was scintillating in that performance, booting three goals from his 33 disposals, while talls Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy combined for 10 majors.

For Adelaide, key forward Riley Thilthorpe will be well-defended after last year’s clash when he slotted six goals against the Dogs, leading an emphatic 109-98 win at Marvel Stadium.

The return of Izak Rankine for the Crows adds an element of the unknown to this clash. The star forward was at the peak of his powers before his suspension late last year, but it’s been seven months since he’s taken the field.

He’ll be desperate to make amends for leaving Adelaide stranded in the finals last year, but match fitness might take more time.

The in-form Dogs will have the chance to test themselves against the benchmark of 2025. It’s Bont vs Rankine, Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs in a match that has all the makings of an instant classic.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs Round 2 prediction and preview below.

Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

This feels like the perfect early-season test for both squads. The Dogs have often begun seasons past behind the eight-ball, but their win in Brisbane and hammering of GWS might give us a look at a real contender.

For Adelaide, they overcame the Opening Round opponent hoodoo in surviving a trip to The ‘G against Collingwood.

Riley Thilthorpe was immense late last season when he kicked a bag against the Dogs and he continued that form last week against Collingwood.

Keeping "The Thrill Seeker" and his wingmen, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker, under wraps should be key to this game for the Dogs.

Around the ball, the Dogs look to have an obvious edge. Bontempelli ran amok last week with 33 touches and 3 majors, while Tommy Liberatore had 29 and a goal and Matt Kennedy chimed in with 27 disposals and a goal as well.

Sam Berry, Jordan Dawson and James Peatling will need to be on their collective and respective A-games to nullify the star power of the Dogs middles.

Adelaide Oval is worth a couple of goals, so we’ll give the edge to Adelaide, but these Dogs look like they’re here for business.

Head-to-head prediction: Crows by 11 points.  

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Riley Thilthorpe has established himself as one of the most exciting forwards in the AFL, coming off a career-best haul of 60 goals in 2025.

After a dominant Round 1 performance where he slotted three goals against the Pies, it's clear he’s been eating his Weeties in the offseason.

Given his history of kicking goals against the Dogs, we’re backing the Thrill Seeker to make an immediate impact at home and slot the first major of the evening.

Betting Tip: Riley Thilthorpe.

Most Disposals Prediction

Wayne Milera is an elite rebounder who thrives at home on Adelaide Oval. Coming off heavy involvement against Collingwood, he’s the most likely candidate for most touches if this one is to be a tight contest as expected.

While the Dogs have stars like Bonempelli and Liberatore racking up numbers, Milera’s role as the primary distributor from the back half should see him have more involvements.

Betting tip: Wayne Milera.  

*Odds are subject to change.

Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Team Lists

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: Hugh Bond, Jordon Butts, Wayne Milera

HB: Rory Laird, Josh Worrell, Nick Murray

C: Isaac Cumming, Jordan Dawson, Brayden Cook

HF: Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe, Alex Neal-Bullen

F: Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker, Izak Rankine

FOLL: Lachlan McAndrew, Sam Berry, Josh Rachele

I/C: James Peatling, Callum Ah Chee, Toby Murray, Jake Soligo, Max Michalanney

Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List

FB: Lachie Jaques, Buku Khamis, Rory Lobb

HB: Connor Budarick, James O'Donnell, Bailey Dale

C: Sam Davidson, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Williams

HF: Rhylee West, Sam Darcy, Cooper Hynes

F: Ryley Sanders, Aaron Naughton, Tom Liberatore

FOLL: Tim English, Matthew Kennedy, Ed Richards

I/C: Michael Sellwood, Oskar Baker, Will Lewis, Joel Freijah, Lachie Bramble

Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs Match Details

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026

First Bounce: 7:40pm AEDT

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports