Collingwood v Adelaide Preview, MCG

Despite a rising injury list, Collingwood are yet to lose since opening their premiership
campaign 0-3. The under-strength Magpies embarrassed West Coast last Sunday, largely
thanks to unheralded players such as Finlay Macrae and Joe Richards. Collingwood will be
without premiership stars Jamie Elliott and Jeremy Howe for this match, with Jordan De
Goey and Tom Mitchell possibly to return. Adelaide have got their season going, but could
only manage a draw in a gripping contest against the Brisbane Lions. When these teams
met twice last season, both games came down to the wire.

TIP: Collingwood by 11 points, Bobby Hill to kick multiple goals

Analysing the recent matchups between Collingwood and Adelaide reveals a captivating tactical battle. When looking closely at past game results, the Crows managed a crucial 14-point away victory (93-79) against the Magpies at the MCG earlier in the 2026 season. This performance broke an old hoodoo and proved that their powerful, athletic forward line – spearheaded by Riley Thilthorpe and Taylor Walker – can exploit height disadvantages in the opposition’s defensive tier.

However, playing on the vast expanses of the MCG always introduces a unique set of challenges. For anyone digging into AFL betting tips, targeting the midfield battle is where the real value lies. The Daicos brothers have been in blistering form for the Pies, racking up massive disposal numbers and dictating the transition speed. When building your AFL Tipping strategy, consider how well the Crows can lock down these creative playmakers to stop rapid inside-50 entries.

While the Magpies rely heavily on their structured, high-marking game plan to control momentum, Adelaide’s ability to punish teams on turnover remains elite. Pulling together Expert AFL tips for this blockbusting fixture means weighing Collingwood’s home-ground comfort against the sheer scoring potency of a hungry Crows outfit looking to cement their spot at the top.