AFL
  • Home
  • AFL

Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues AFL Round 5 Tips - Crows Tipped to Soar Past Blues

ryan-tucker
Editor
Last updated: Thu 09 Apr 2026 11:47

In the AFL 2026 Round 5, Adelaide Crows face off against the struggling Carlton Blues. With Carlton's recent poor performance and internal turmoil, Adelaide, favored by 30.5 points, is predicted to dominate. The Crows have managed strong finishes despite slow starts and will likely exploit Carlton's vulnerabilities, especially if they secure an early lead. Furthermore, key players like Josh Rachele and Wayne Milera are expected to play pivotal roles, given their recent form. As Carlton grapples with confidence issues, this match appears to be tipping in Adelaide's favor.

Ryan Tucker 09 Apr 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Adelaide Crows are 30.5 pt favorites against a struggling Carlton Blues.
  • Crows have historically dominated Carlton, winning 4 consecutive matchups.
  • Key players like Josh Rachele and Wayne Milera expected to impact the game.
  • The game will be played at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, 9th April, with the bounce at 7:40 PM (AEDT)
Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues

Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues, Round 5 2026 - Expert Prediction


Carlton are in big trouble. Now they face a Crows team that have fallen agonisingly short in their last 3 games in front of a home crowd in Gather Round which makes the task even more difficult.
Adelaide are 30.5 pt favourites with Top AFL Bookmakers seeming to think the woes of the Blues will continue on Thursday night. Carlton have not only been bad, they haven’t played any top level opponent, save for the 63 pt thrashing they received from Sydney in Opening Round.

They snuck past Richmond by 4 pts and then capitulated to lose by 23 to the Dees and by 10 pts last week to the Roos. Their confidence is in tatters and the rumours of a change in coaching staff are dominating the headlines. It is easy to see how Adelaide can pump them here.

The Crows have been slow out of the gates in the majority of their games this season but have come home with a wet sail on multiple occasions. It hasn’t been enough for them to secure wins but the calibre of opponent is important to note. Adelaide are better than what their record suggests and against an opponent like Carlton, if they manage to get any type of lead early, it could balloon quickly.

Take the Crows to cover the large line with the score tipped to rapidly increase late in the game when Carlton give up. Adelaide over 102.5 is a good lean and backed up by FootyBets.com.au data predictions, Josh Rachele has seen a lot of opportunity in front of the sticks early on, grab him for a double and Wayne Milera to clean things up at the back with 25+

  • The Crows have won 4 straight against the Blues and Carlton have struggled to make significant impact across all 4 quarters in their games this year. 
  • Adelaide have scored 100+ pts against Carlton in 3 straight matchups.
  • Josh Rachele has kicked a goal in all 4 games to start the season, in a high scoring game he is expected to get more opportunity to unleash.
  • Wayne Milera has eclipsed 25 disposals in 2 of 4 games this season and will be one of the main backmen repelling the Carlton attack. 

Head to Head Stats


Adelaide have won 4 straight against Carlton and 5 of the last 8 dating back to the start of the 2019 season. The lone matchup last season ended 110-50 in the Crows favour at Adelaide oval. 

Two of the last 3 games have finished with margins of 40+ both of those in Adelaide while the Over has hit in 2 of the last 3 aswell.

Adelaide Crows Form Analysis


Adelaide went down in a thriller last weekend against the Dockers, a smother in the dying seconds robbing the Crows of a comeback for the ages after being down 34 pts in the 3rd quarter.

The loss though has set Adelaide back to a 1-3 record with the 2 pt loss compounding an 8 point loss to the Cats the week before and a 6 pt loss to the Dogs prior to that.

Slow starts have hampered the Crows but their tenacity to fight their way back in games has been unbelievable. James Peatling 26 touches and Wayne Milera 27 touches were in top form while the return of Jordan Dawson 2 goals and Tex Walker 1 goal and 4 marks definitely lifted the team.

Carlton Blues Form Analysis


What can we say about the Blues. They did it again. A final quarter fade saw them lose to the Kangaroos last weekend after leading by 22 pts at three quarter time. It's the third time in 4 games that Carlton have led at halftime to go on and lose the match with pressure mounting for coach Michael Voss.

For the players, their confidence must be shot to pieces and even though sparks of light have been seen by the likes of Marc Pittonet with 39 hitouts and 4 clearances as well as George Hewett with 22 touches, the stability under pressure is nowhere to be found.

They allowed the Kangaroos to have 56 Inside 50’s and convert at a 51.8% rate, the 14 marks to 7 Inside 50 telling the story. 

Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues Team List & News


Adelaide Crows Team News: Isaac Cumming is expected to play as is Rory Laird. Darcy Fogarty will spend a bit of time on the sideline with a back issue. 

Carlton Blues Team News: Jacob Weitering has entered concussion protocoll and will miss this matchup. Nick Haynes and Zac Williams will both be in contention. 

Adelaide CrowsPOSCarlton
J. Borlase, N. Murray, M. MichalanneyBJ. Boyd, L. Young, O. Florent
R. Laird, J. Worrell, W. MileraHBL. Cowan, N. Haynes, N. Newman
I. Cumming, J. Dawson, B. CookCO. Hollands, P. Cripps, M. Carroll
B. Keays, T. Walker, Z. TaylorHFF. Evans, M. McGovern, B. Ainsworth
A. Neal-Bullen, R. Thilthorpe, I. RankineFE. Hollands, H. McKay, B. Kemp
L. McAndrew, S. Berry, J. PeatlingFOLLM. Pittonet, J. Smith, S. Walsh
M. Hinge, J. Soligo, L. Nankervis, J. Rachele, F. MaleyI/CW. Derksen, A. Cerra, Z. Williams, T. Byrne, H. O’Keeffe

Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues AFL 2026 Round 5 FAQ’s

How to watch Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues AFL 2026 Round 5?

You can watch the Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues AFL 2026 Round 5 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues AFL 2026 Round 5?

To buy tickets to the Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues AFL 2026 Round 5 game check the AFL website or the official Adelaide Crows site.

Verdict

Take the Crows to cover the large line with the score tipped to rapidly increase late in the game when Carlton give up. Adelaide over 102.5 is a good lean, Josh Rachele has seen a lot of opportunity in front of the sticks early on, grab him for a double and Wayne Milera to clean things up at the back with 25+
Best Bet1: Adelaide -33.5 Line $1.90 at NextBet - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Adelaide over 102.5 Team Total $1.87 at Ladbrokes Australia - 2 Units
Best Bet3: J Rachele 2+ Goals $2.35 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: W Milera 25+ Disposals $2.15 at Neds - 1 Unit
Adelaide -33.5
Line
$1.90 - 3 Units
Challenger 'NextBet' is here
register with referral code BETS

18+. T&Cs apply

Bet at NextBet
Adelaide over 102.5
Team Total
$1.87 - 2 Units
Australia's #1 bookmaker
Use the code "BLACKBOOK"

The Ladbrokes.com.au code is BLACKBOOK. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at Ladbrokes Australia
J Rachele 2+
Goals
$2.35 - 1 Unit
Download the dabble app
with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble
W Milera 25+
Disposals
$2.15 - 1 Unit
Take it to the Neds Level
Register with code BLACKBOOK

The Neds.com.au code is BLACKBOOK. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at Neds

Top Betting Sites

Betting offers

Upcoming Events

28 May 2026

  • QLD Maroons Women vs NSW Blues Women NRL State of Origin Game 3 -
  • Rugby League
Load More
Betting Slip | 09 Apr 2026

Adelaide Crows v Carlton Blues