<p>Super Saturday kicks off with a bang at Marvel Stadium as the Western Bulldogs host the Adelaide Crows.&nbsp;</p> <p>Originally scheduled to be played down the highway in Ballarat (where four of the last six clashes have taken place), the game was moved to avoid having two finals contenders contest a match in front of just 10 spectators at a construction site. Well done to the AFL for having the foresight to move the fixture early.</p> <p>The Dogs find themselves in an intriguing position. On a four-game winning streak and still widely regarded as a team capable of winning the premiership this season, they are nonetheless uncertain about securing a top-eight spot. They comfortably defeated North Melbourne last Thursday night, claiming their tenth win of the season, and currently sit sixth on the ladder with the league’s third-best percentage.</p> <p>However, there is no room for complacency, especially against a potent Adelaide side sitting one win above them and eager to claim another scalp to strengthen their push for a top-four finish.</p> <p>The Crows edged out Melbourne, but not before a first-half scare, as it seemed the Demons would extend their impressive streak against them. That was until superstar Izak Rankine stepped in with a spectacular performance—five goals, 16 possessions, and four tackles—that turned the game around.</p> <p>With 11 wins this season, the Crows have crafted an impressive attacking profile, complemented by a resilient and effective defence. They proved some critics wrong in the weeks leading up to the bye with a win over the Lions at home, but they will be eager to claim another scalp here, especially against a match-up like the Bulldogs.</p> <p>Given the Lions are likely to secure a substantial victory over the Blues, the Crows cannot improve their ladder position this week but can definitely keep the pressure on the reigning premiers with a big win.</p> <p>A defeat for either team could start to make their finals prospects quite uncertain.</p> <p>On the selection front, Luke Beveridge faces a decision regarding his defence setup. After Nick Larkey kicked five goals last week and with the dangerous trio of Walker, Thilthorpe, and Fogarty looming, will he bring in a tall defender to provide extra help to Rory Lobb and James O’Donnell?</p> <p>This could mean a return to the senior side for veteran Liam Jones, who has not played at AFL level since the first six weeks of the season.</p> <p>Star midfielder Ed Richards experienced a shoulder strain in the win but continued playing and should be fit to play this week. Small forward Lachie McNeil was an unused substitute last week, so his involvement this week remains uncertain.</p> <p>For the Crows, one forced change is expected after Josh Rachele was subbed out with a knee injury. Fortunately, he avoided serious damage to the ACL and will be out for the medium term. Rebounding defender Wayne Milera, who was a late withdrawal for the Demons game due to personal reasons, should return straight into the side.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Dogs vs Crows prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Lachie Bramble, Liam Jones, James O’Donnell</p> <p>HB: Jason Johannisen, Rory Lobb, Bailey Dale</p> <p>C: Ryley Sanders, Ed Richards, Joel Freijah</p> <p>HF: Cooper Hynes, Aaron Naughton, Matt Kennedy</p> <p>F: Laitham Vandermeer, Sam Darcy, Rhylee West</p> <p>Foll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore</p> <p>Int: Sam Davidson, Nick Coffield, Taylor Duryea, Riley Garcia, Caleb Poulter</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Adelaide Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Josh Worrell, Jordan Butts, Rory Laird</p> <p>HB: Mitch Hinge, Mark Keane, Brodie Smith</p> <p>C: Isaac Cumming, Jordan Dawson, Dan Curtin</p> <p>HF: Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe, Max Michalanney</p> <p>F: Izak Rankine, Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty</p> <p>Foll: Reilly O’Brien, Jake Soligo, James Peatling</p> <p>Int: Wayne Milera, Zac Taylor, Alex Neal-Bullen, Sam Berry, Lachie Murphy</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs hold sway in the recent head-to-head battles, with wins in three of the past five matches. But both these sides are even with five wins each from the past 10 clashes.</p> <p>It’s a battle of two of the competition's best overall team profiles. The Crows are ranked third, and the Dogs are ranked fourth.</p> <p>The Dogs should have the edge around the ball with Bontempelli, Liberatore, and Ed Richards all making their case for the All-Australian squad and team this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The Crows' team defence has been their strong suit since about Round 8 but will be tested against the marking power of Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton. But, the duel will be equally as intriguing to see at the other end with the three big boys from the Crows against the brilliant, yet still fraught Dogs' big men in defence.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s going to be a cracking contest between two sides we hope are matching up again in the finals. We’re tipping the home side here. Just.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-adelaide-crows-9367050">Dogs</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ben Keays continued an amazing season against the Demons, including a goal that defied physics… even if the AFL later admitted to a blunder with the score review and it shouldn’t have counted.</p> <p>He’s only had one big day against the Dogs where he kicked three goals last start, but his form this year suggests that goals are just part of what you get with this guy. We’re backing him for the first of what we think will be a heavy-scoring afternoon at Marvel.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-adelaide-crows-9367050">Ben Keays</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Crows struck gold at the trade table this year with the three mature targets they brought into the club having a profound impact on the fortunes of the team this year.</p> <p>After crossing from the Giants, James Peatling has become a big piece in the Crows' engine room and push towards September.</p> <p>Having broken through the 20-possession barrier a few times recently in the last month, we’re backing him to have one of his biggest days ever and lead all comers.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-adelaide-crows-9367050">James Peatling 25+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Crows Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, July 12, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 1:20pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Marvel Stadium, Melbourne&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p>