<p>The Crows have ticked every box so far. Now, there’s just one more hurdle before the games they’ve been waiting years to play.</p> <p>After finally knocking off Collingwood last Saturday night at Adelaide Oval—in what was arguably one of the games of the season—Adelaide has locked in a home Qualifying Final and secured at least two finals at home in their long-awaited return to September.</p> <p>A win over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium will wrap up the minor premiership for the first time since 2017. Job done, right?</p> <p>Well, not quite.</p> <p>Just as everything seemed to be going perfectly, controversy has hit the Crows—and it’s a big one. Izak Rankine’s suspension for a homophobic slur used during the win over the Pies has rocked the club. It’s a major blow to their premiership hopes, and how they respond—on and off the field—will say a lot about this group’s maturity and resilience.</p> <p>The big question now: who comes in to replace him?</p> <p>Meanwhile, North Melbourne comes into this one with a bit of momentum and a much-needed sense of clarity. Their convincing win over Richmond in Tasmania was billed as one of the club’s most important games in five years. And while there were some shaky moments early, they got the job done emphatically.</p> <p>Paul Curtis bagged five goals, but the excitement is building around mid-season draftee Cooper Trembath. With six goals from just two games, he looks like a real find up forward.</p> <p>Of course, the headline act was Harry Sheezel. The young superstar racked up an outrageous 54 disposals, equalling the all-time VFL/AFL record for most touches in a game. An unbelievable feat—and honestly, don’t be surprised if he threatens that mark again sometime soon.</p> <p>On the injury front, Cam Zurhaar will miss the Roos' final outing after scans revealed a syndesmosis injury. George Wardlaw is still in the mix despite a sprained ankle, while Riley Hardeman (ribs) and Zach Banch (concussion) are both pushing for a return.</p> <p>Back to the Crows: the replacement puzzle for Rankine is a tricky one.</p> <p>Josh Rachele is getting close to a return but won’t be ready in time for this clash. Rory Laird comes back from suspension, but he’s hardly a like-for-like option up forward.&nbsp;</p> <p>Billy Dowling hasn’t featured at the senior level this year but keeps putting together strong SANFL form. Luke Nankervis is also in the frame, having been in and out of the side throughout the season. Or, maybe they roll the dice on electric first-year player Sid Draper to provide some forward-half spark?</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Roos vs Crows prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Adelaide Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Charlie Comben, Toby Pink, Riley Hardeman</p> <p>HB: Caleb Daniel, Griffin Logue, Finn O’Sullivan</p> <p>C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Colby McKercher</p> <p>HF: Paul Curtis, Cooper Trembath, Tom Powell</p> <p>F: Jy Simpkin, Jack Darling, Luke Parker</p> <p>Foll: Tristan Xerri, Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw</p> <p>Int: Bailey Scott, Geordie Payne, Cooper Harvey, Matt Whitlock, Jacob Konstanty</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Adelaide Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Josh Worrell, Nick Murray, Hugh Bond</p> <p>HB: Wayne Milera, Mark Keane, Rory Laird</p> <p>C: Isaac Cumming, Jordan Dawson, Dan Curtin</p> <p>HF: Ben Keays, Reily Thilthorpe, Alex Neal-Bullen</p> <p>F: Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker, Billy Dowling</p> <p>Foll: Reilly O’Brien, James Peatling, Jake Soligo</p> <p>Int: Zac Taylor, Sam Berry, Mitch Hinge, Lachie Murphy, Sid Draper</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Adelaide Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>It’s been all the Crows in the recent head-to-head battles against the Roos in recent times. Adelaide has won their past seven matches against North, with the Roos' last win over the Crows coming three coaches ago.</p> <p>The Crows’ defence copped a battering last week, defending 70+ inside 50s, but the best defence in the competition managed to repel and restrict the damage and hold on for the win.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Crows are still also the highest-scoring team in the competition. And coming up against a Kangaroos defence that has leaked plenty and conceded 100 points for fun this season, we see this one going only one way.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-adelaide-crows-9504815">Crows</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>We’re tipping it's going to be a procession at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. But there’s always time for some fleeting moments of joy before the inevitable happens.&nbsp;</p> <p>Jack Darling has been a more than serviceable recruit in his first year at the Roos. 23 goals from 21 games, he’s been the help that Nick Larkey has craved and will likely go on next year, while others continue developing.&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re tipping him for the first one.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-adelaide-crows-9504815">Jack Darling</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Harry Sheezel deservedly grabbed all the headlines last week as he raised the bat with his record-equalling display. But his midfield running mate, Luke Davies-Uniacke, also had a pretty handy day down at Bellerive, notching 40 touches of his own.&nbsp;</p> <p>After a lean year, averaging only 24.4 disposals per game, he would have enjoyed getting his hands on the ball and will be looking to finish the year full of running here again.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-adelaide-crows-9504815">Luke Davies-Uniacke 30+ disposals</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Adelaide Crows Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, August 23, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 1:20 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>