Fresh off a drought-breaking victory, Richmond will welcome Adelaide to the MCG on Sunday afternoon to close out Round 9.

Richmond’s 99-88 victory over West Coast at Optus Stadium last Saturday halted a 12-match losing streak and came despite Dion Prestia tearing his hamstring in the first quarter.

The veteran midfielder joins an injury list that has blown out to 17 players, including Toby Nankervis and Judson Clarke.

Adelaide was also a winner last round, overcoming Port Adelaide in a Showdown classic 76-75 thanks to a Brayden Cook match-winner.

However, the win was costly, with key forward Taylor Walker (hamstring) and defender Jordon Butts (adductor) both ruled out for several weeks.

Adelaide obliterated Richmond 122-54 at the MCG in their single meeting last season. Riley Thilthorpe cashed in that day with five majors, while Dan Curtin and Jordan Dawson were also influential.

We’re expecting a tough game for the heavily undermanned Tigers outfit, you’ve got to feel sorry for them, missing 17 players from an already re-building roster. 

But they should make a good account of themselves regardless, as they always do. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Richmond Tigers vs Adelaide Crows Round 9 prediction and preview below.

Richmond Tigers vs Adelaide Crows Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Richmond finally got on the board last week in WA, showing enough grit to suggest competitiveness is not out of the question here. Adelaide won the Showdown but did not exactly impress us; their structural issues remain evident.

There’s often an emotional letdown after such a large rivalry win, and with captain Jordan Dawson returning under incredibly difficult personal circumstances, the group’s focus will be tested.

This will likely be a small crowd, but we’re hoping for some life from the Tiger Cubs so they can make Adelaide’s life hard on Mother’s Day.

While Richmond's injury ward is "absurd," Tim Taranto's return from concussion provides a massive engine-room boost.

However, Adelaide’s superior top-end talent and the return of Callum Ah Chee and Darcy Fogarty should see them through a potential scrap.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 21 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

We like Ben Keays here; he’s been remarkably consistent and has been outscoring Riley Thilthorpe in 2026 - even when the delivery is less than silver service.

Keaysy is a classy player who would find a home on any team in the AFL, and with Taylor Walker sidelined, expect the Crows to look for him as a primary target early inside 50. 

Betting tip: Ben Keays.

Most Disposals Prediction

Jordan Dawson is our pick for most touches.

He’s been building performance on performance in the last few weeks and should be highly effective against a Richmond defence that lacks the depth to contain an experienced operator like Dawson.

As he returns to lead the Crows at the MCG, expect Dawson to be the most influential player on the park.

Betting tip: Jordan Dawson.

Richmond Tigers vs Adelaide Crows Predicted Teams

Richmond Tigers Predicted Team List

FB: Noah Balta, Ben Miller, Nathan Broad

HB: Jayden Short, Sam Grlj, Nick Vlastuin

C: Patrick Retschko, Tim Taranto, Kane McAuliffe

HF: Steely Green, Seth Campbell, Tyler Sonsie

F: Jonty Faull, Tom Lynch, Mykelti Lefau

Foll: Oliver Hayes-Brown, Jack Ross, Sam Cumming

I/C: Tom Brown, James Trezise, Jacob Hopper, Campbell Gray, Tom Burton, Samson Ryan, Luke Trainor, Noah Roberts-Thomson

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: Max Michalanney, James Borlase, Josh Worrell

HB: Wayne Milera, Nick Murray, Rory Laird

C: Brayden Cook, Sam Berry, Isaac Cumming

HF: Jordan Dawson, Riley Thilthorpe, Izak Rankine

F: Ben Keays, Toby Murray, Alex Neal-Bullen

Foll: Lachlan McAndrew, Josh Rachele, Jake Soligo

I/C: Luke Nankervis, Luke Pedlar, Daniel Curtin, James Peatling, Billy Dowling, Finnbar Maley, Zac Taylor, Hugh Bond

Richmond Tigers vs Adelaide Crows Match Details

Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026.

First Bounce: 3:15pm AEST.

Location: MCG, Melbourne.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.