Adelaide Crows arrive at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon with a top four berth firmly in their sights.

It’s a crucial time of the season and luckily enough, Adelaide find themselves facing the Bombers who, in our book, have been the least impressive team in the competition.

Crows should get a nice chance to boost their percentage against this Essendon team who have only managed two victories all season.

Adelaide were dusted last week by the Pies, spoiling big Tex Walker’s 700th career goal; we expect a big response in this one from the 2025 minor premiers.

Bombers… Where to start with this Essendon side?

Their most recent escapade was a 132-39-point drubbing at the hands of Hawthorn which, let’s face it, everyone saw coming.

They’ve lost a coach, their best player has a wandering eye and their fans are physically walking out of the stadium after paying for tickets; it’s looking like a long road back to the promised land for Essendon Football Club.

The Crows put 161 on this same Essendon outfit at the MCG in 2025, this match only has one outcome.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Essendon vs Adelaide Crows Round 21 prediction and preview below.

Essendon vs Adelaide Crows Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Crows blew a comfortable lead against Collingwood and will be keen to correct course.

The Bombers just shipped 132 points to Hawthorn, something has to give and it won't be Adelaide.

Essendon have shown this season that they can be competitive in bursts, but sustaining that against a quality opponent remains well beyond them right now.

Their midfield was comprehensively beaten last week, they carry significant injury concerns into the game and to make matters worse, they face an Adelaide side that, on a good day, can beat anyone in the top eight.

The Crows’ do, however, have a bit of a question mark hanging over them.

We genuinely do not know how good they are. They've shown elite flashes and then gone missing at the worst possible moments. If Matthew Nicks can get his side to play with the freedom and bravery they're capable of, this could get ugly for Essendon very quickly.

Forty-one points is a healthy margin, and in all likelihood they will exceed it.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 41 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

It's time for the Thill Seeker to deliver. Riley Thilthorpe hasn't fully seized a match by the scruff of the neck yet in 2026 and an Essendon backline that just conceded 19 goals to Hawthorn is exactly the invitation he needs.

The big man goes early and often in this one.

Betting tip: Riley Thilthorpe first goal scorer.

Most Disposals Prediction

Izak Rankine's disposal average in Adelaide victories this season: 26.2. In losses: 15.7. Those two numbers tell you everything about Rankine performs against the weaker sides.

On Sunday, against a team that concedes disposals to opposition midfielders at the highest rate in the competition, Adelaide should be in front early and staying there. When the Crows are winning, Rankine is everywhere.

Rankine 30+ is firmly on the table.

Betting tip: Izak Rankine most disposals.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Ben Keays Anytime Goal Scorer / Zach Merrett 26+ Disposals / Riley Thilthorpe 4+ Goals / Adelaide Crows 40+.

Odds are subject to change. *

Essendon vs Adelaide Crows Predicted Teams

Essendon Bombers Predicted Team List

FB: Andrew McGrath, Max Michalanney, Brayden Cook

HB: Jaxon Prior, Alex Neal-Bullen, Oscar Ryan

C: Angus Clarke, Jaxon Artemis, Nick Murray

HF: Josh Rachele, Kyle Langford, Nate Caddy

FF: Archie Ludowyke, Isaac Kako, Peter Wright

FOLL: Nick Bryan, Lachlan McAndrew, Zach Merrett

I/C: Elijah Tsatas, Will Setterfield, Archie Perkins, Vigo Visentini, Harrison Jones

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: Zach Reid, James Borlase, Josh Worrell

HB: Archie Roberts, Mark Keane, Isaac Cumming

C: Jordan Dawson, Sam Durham, Luke Nankervis

HF: Mason Redman, Archer Day-Wicks, Hussien El Achkar

FF: Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe, Jake Soligo

FOLL: Izak Rankine, Dyson Sharp, Daniel Curtin

I/C: Jacob Farrow, Callum Ah Chee, Ben Keays, Lachlan Sholl, Billy Dowling

Essendon Bombers vs Adelaide Crows Match Details

Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026.

First Bounce: 4:40pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Channel 7 / Fox Footy / Kayo Sports