Collingwood Magpies vs Adelaide Crows Prediction - Round 1 2026

Round 1 sees a rematch of last season’s Qualifying Final, Collingwood and Adelaide will face off at the MCG on Saturday night.

Collingwood secured a 79-55 upset victory on that night, led by a four-goal display from Jamie Elliott.

It marked the first time in seven meetings between these clubs with a margin greater than 10 points, while also marking the Magpies’ 11th win from 12 matches against Adelaide.

Collingwood entered 2026 with the oldest list in the AFL, but the pensioner Pies wound back the clock in their Opening Round demolition of a highly touted St Kilda outfit.

Brothers Daicos had a field day on the ball, with over 70 combined disposals and Scott Pendles had a huge contribution and as he gets closer to the record of most ever games in the AFL.

And all of that without skipper Darcy Moore, who is expected to return for Collingwood in this matchup. 

For Adelaide, this marks their first outing of the new year after a promising 2025 campaign which saw them claim the minor premiership, before being bustled out of the finals in straight sets.

Two-time premiership-winning utility Callum Ah Chee was signed in the offseason and brings a championship mentality to Adelaide as the Crows hunt for redemption.

It's the Crows vs the Magpies in an avian contest for the ages, which team will take flight at the MCG?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Collingwood vs Adelaide Crows Round 1 prediction and preview below.

Collingwood vs Adelaide Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

A matchup here as the Pies return to the MCG for a clash with the team they rolled in last year’s qualifying final.

Adelaide have been close to Collingwood over the last few seasons and will arrive here with hopes of taking out the Pies at home.

Adelaide are blessed with a big, athletic forward line featuring; Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker.

They’ll be licking their lips at the prospect of taking on the diminutive Pies defence, who will struggle to match them in aerial contests. A fitting theme for the Crows vs the Magpies.

Rankine’s absence due to suspension will hurt the Crows chances but Josh Rachele is fit and will likely spend more time around the ball.

A 2-0 start for the Pies will silence the critics and have the doubters looking inwards but these Crows will be a handful as they look to evolve their midfield. We are leaning toward a famous away win to kickstart the Crows' 2026 campaign.

Head-to-head prediction: Crows by 4 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Taylor Walker remains the focal point of this Crows attack and has a history of stepping up in front of sold-out crowds at the G.

With the Pies' defence with a height disadvantage against the athletic Adelaide forward line, Tex should find an early opportunity to hit the scoreboard first.

Betting tip: Taylor Walker.

Most Disposals Prediction

Nick Daicos is coming off an outrageous 41-disposal haul in the Opening Round and shows no signs of slowing down.

Given his elite ability to find the ball and his importance to Collingwood's transition, he is the safest bet to lead the stats sheet once again under the MCG lights.

While the Crows will look to limit his influence, Daicos' capacity to make defences miss, find space and accumulate possessions across the ground make him the clear standout in the disposal markets.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos.

Odds are subject to change*

Collingwood Magpies vs Adelaide Crows Predicted Teams

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Billy Frampton, Isaac Quaynor, Brayden Maynard

HB: Dan Houston, Darcy Moore (c), Harry Perryman

C: Wil Parker, Nick Daicos, Roan Steele

HF: Lachie Schultz, Scott Pendlebury, Beau McCreery

F: Tim Membrey, Jamie Elliott, Dan McStay

FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Jack Crisp, Jordan De Goey

I/C: Patrick Lipinski, Steele Sidebottom, Ed Allan, Ned Long, Jack Buller

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: Jordon Butts, Josh Worrell, Hugh Bond

HB: Wayne Milera, Nick Murray, Rory Laird

C: James Peatling, Jordan Dawson (c), Chayce Jones

HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Riley Thilthorpe, Luke Pedlar

F: Ben Keays, Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty

FOLL: Lachie McAndrew, Jake Soligo, Josh Rachele

I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Toby Murray, Max Michalanney, Luke Nankervis, Brayden Cook

Collingwood Magpies vs Adelaide Crows Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

First Bounce: 7:35pm AEDT

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports