Even the most optimistic Adelaide Crows supporters couldn’t have expected this.
At the start of Round 22, the Crows are on top of the AFL ladder and are indeed the pride of South Australia.
They were made to work for it against the Hawks, catching fire after a slow start, in one of the more skilled and watchable games of the season last Friday night, but they have stars on every line that elevated them to a 14-point win.
Skipper Jordan Dawson would have pouched three more Brownlow votes with his epic performance, while the three-pronged threat in attack, Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker, and Darcy Fogarty, combined for eight goals between them. Add in an additional three from Izak RankineIt’s’s an embarrassment of scoring riches for the Crows.
Which makes you think… just what might they do to the poor West Coast Eagles this week?
Their 10th defeat in a row last Saturday against the Dees was also their third by a margin greater than 80 points this season.
Adding to the Eagles, they have only won one quarter of football over their past two games. You have to feel for Andrew McQualter, who would be enduring the toughest initiation to senior coaching in VFL/AFL history.
He’ll get a well-deserved holiday in about three weeks. In the meantime, he gets three more looks at the players he wants to continue building his West Coast team with, and another look at some youngsters on the side.
He’ll be able to bring senior midfielder Jack Graham back this week after he’s served his four-game ban for a homophobic slur, in a boost to the engine room. While there are fresh concerns around key back Harry Edwards, who suffered a fresh foot concern and might be managed out for the rest of the season.
Youngster Malakai Champion impressed in the WAFL and might earn another chance at senior footy before the year is out.
At the Crows, we’re watching to see if they will rest or manage anyone. But early word is it sounds like they will be bringing close to a full complement of their best team over West.
Veteran defender Rory Laird was managed for the clash with the Hawks and could find his way back in, while Jordon Butts has also made a recovery from a punctured lung and is available for selection again.
With finals guaranteed and a top-four spot also pretty much locked in, pending a total disaster, the Crows now have the task of locking in a top-two finish in the final three weeks of the season and securing two finals at the Adelaide Oval.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Eagles vs Crows prediction and preview below.
West Coast vs Adelaide Predicted Teams
West Coast Predicted Team List
B: Reuben Ginbey, Sandy Brock, Tom Cole
HB: Liam Duggan, Rhett Bazzo, Tom McCarthy
C: Ryan Maric, Jack Graham, Liam Baker
HF: Jamie Cripps, Jobe Shanahan, Elijah Hewett
F: Tyler Brockman, Archer Reid, Liam Ryan
Foll: Bailey Williams, Brady Hough, Tim Kelly
Int: Clat Hall, Campbell Chesser, Tom Gross, Tyrell Dewar, Hamish Davis
Adelaide Predicted Team List
B: Josh Worrell, Nick Murray, Brodie Smith
HB: Wayne Milera, Mark Keane, Issac Cumming
C: Brayden Cook, Jordan Dawson, Dan Curtin
HF: Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe, Zac Taylor
F: Izak Rankine, Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker
Foll: Reilly O’Brien, James Peatling, Jake Soligo
Int: Alex Neal-Bullen, Sam Berry, Mitch Hinge, Hugh Bond, Chayce Jones
West Coast vs Adelaide Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
The Crows have won their past six matches against the Eagles. They haven’t been close encounters either, with the Crows winning the last six by an average of 63 points.
Let’s just say, we’d be mightily surprised if the trend wasn’t continued here..
If they fly out of the blocks, let’s see if Crows can give the highest ever score a shake here…
Betting tip: Crows
First Goal Prediction
We’re expecting a lot of Adelaide forwards to fill their boots here. There could be a big number of goals and some big bags kicked on the poor Eagles here.
But, someone has to get the party started, and that might just be the current favourite for the AFL Rising Star award Dan Curtin. The WA native, in front of his friends and family, he’s our tip to get on the board first.
Betting tip: Dan Curtin
Most Disposals Prediction
There haven’t been many, but the Eagles have had one shining light this back end of the season in the form of mid-season draftee Tom McCarthy.
The mid-season draftee has averaged 23.6 disposals in his seven games so far and has looked at home across halfback at AFL level. We’re picking him to top the disposal charts in this one.
Betting tip: Tom McCarthy 25+ disposals
West Coast Eagles vs Adelaide Crows Match Details
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
First Bounce: 5:10 pm, AEST
Location: Optus Stadium, Perth
How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports