Adelaide v Essendon Preview, Adelaide Oval

In the game of the season so far, Adelaide pulled off a classic three-point win against Carlton at Marvel Stadium. Will that performance ignite the Crows’ campaign after they started 0-4? Star veteran Taylor Walker was back to his 2023 All-Australian best against the Blues following a slow start, lifting Adelaide’s attacking output dramatically. After losing their first two games at the Adelaide Oval this season, the Crows will be desperate to give their home fans something to be excited about. Meanwhile, Essendon will return to the scene of the crime after they were crushed by Port Adelaide during Gather Round. The Bombers’ record in the South Australian capital is abysmal, but they will be buoyed after an impressive win against the Bulldogs.

Adelaide Oval always brings a unique energy to Friday night football, and this clash between the Crows and the Bombers is shaping up to be a tactical battle. Looking back at recent form, Adelaide has turned their home ground into a genuine fortress, often overwhelming opponents with high-pressure transitions. Meanwhile, Essendon’s ability to scrap for contested possessions has kept them competitive in the current tournament standings, despite a few inconsistent late-game fades. When looking for AFL betting tips, keep a close eye on the midfield match-ups. Our latest AFL prediction suggests that clearance dominance will ultimately decide which side controls the tempo.

TIP: Adelaide by 31 points, Taylor Walker to kick three or more goals