Adelaide Crows vs Richmond AFL Round 22 Tips - Crows pick up percentage boost to aid top four hopes
The Adelaide Crows are set to continue their march toward a top-four AFL finish with a commanding performance against Richmond in Round 22, 2026. Adelaide's potent forward line, led by in-form Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe, and Josh Rachele, is primed to exploit Richmond's defensive struggles. Despite Richmond breaking an eight-game losing streak, the Tigers have consistently fallen short against top sides, especially away from home. Expect Adelaide's midfield dominance, multiple scoring avenues, and consistent home form to secure a large victory. Expert tip: Crows to cover a 49.5-point line, with Walker and Rachele to star.
- The game will be played at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, 8th August, with the bounce at 7:35 PM (AEST)
- Can the Tigers avoid another heavy loss against top four side?
- Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet
Adelaide Crows vs Richmond, Round 22 2026 - Expert Prediction
Adelaide will continue its march towards a top-four finish with another convincing victory over Richmond.
The Crows responded to their Round 20 defeat to Collingwood by brushing aside Essendon last weekend by 72 points to improve to 13-7 and replacing Brisbane in the top four
With 5th placed Melbourne and 6th placed Geelong remaining level on wins, every percentage-boosting victory is crucial.
Richmond finally snapped an eight-match losing streak with an 11-point win over West Coast but now faces a vastly different challenge against one of the competition's most potent attacks at a venue where Adelaide has consistently dominated interstate opposition.
The Crows should be able to dictate this contest through their midfield strength and repeat forward entries. Look for them to produce their aggressive brand with quick transition and relentless pressure.
Jordan Dawson looks set for another big game, while Izak Rankine continues to be one of the competition's most damaging hybrid midfielders, capable of winning clearances before drifting forward to hit the scoreboard.
Richmond deserves credit for banking a morale-boosting win over West Coast, but the Tigers were outplayed in several key statistical areas, losing the clearance battle, inside 50 count and total scoring shots before surviving through superior finishing.
Against a stronger side, they will struggle to maintain territory against. The Tigers averages just 65 points per game this season and its six matches against top-eight opponents have resulted in defeats by an average of 60 points.
Adelaide's pressure around the contest should make it extremely difficult for Tim Taranto and Dion Prestia to generate enough quality ball movement to consistently challenge the Crows' defence.
The biggest advantage lies inside Adelaide's forward 50. Riley Thilthorpe arrives after a five-goal performance against Essendon and has combined brilliantly with Taylor Walker, who has kicked 10 goals across his past three matches. Josh Rachele has an outstanding record against Richmond, while Ben Keays continues to apply enormous forward pressure that creates repeat opportunities.
Adelaide has won seven of nine home matches against interstate opposition this season, including comfortable victories over other bottom six sides, Gold Coast and North Melbourne by 79 and 68 points respectively. Expect another dominant performance built around midfield control, territory and multiple avenues to goal.
Take Adelaide in an adjusted line around 49.5 points in Same Game Multis, with Taylor Walker to kick 3+ goals and Josh Rachele 2+ goals.
- Adelaide’s last two matches at Adelaide Oval against interstate sides outside the top 10 have resulted in 79 and 68-point wins.
- Taylor Walker has kicked 10 goals across his past three matches.
- Josh Rachele has kicked at least two goals in each of his five matches against Richmond.
- Richmond have lost their past four matches against top-six sides by an average of 64 points
Head to Head Stats
Adelaide have taken out the past two matches between the two sides, including the Round 9 fixture this season by 37 points. They were 68-point winners in the most recent Adelaide Oval match, with that played in Round 13 last season. Interestingly, Richmond have won the past two between the two sides at the Adelaide Oval.
Standout player performances in the recent head to heads have come from:
- Jordan Dawson (Crows)- 25+ disposals in his past four against the Tigers
- Tim Taranto (Tigers)- 25+ disposals in three of his past four against the Crows.
- Josh Rachele (Crows)- two goals in each of his five matches against Richmond
- Taylor Walker (Crows)- 13 goals from his past four matches against Richmond
Adelaide Crows Form Analysis
Adelaide enters Round 22 playing some of its best football of the season, winning seven of its past nine matches to entrench itself inside the top four. After being comprehensively outplayed by Collingwood's pressure game a fortnight ago, the Crows responded in emphatic fashion with a 72-point demolition of Essendon. Matthew Nicks' side controlled the contest from the opening bounce, generating 58 inside 50s and 23 goals in one of its most complete four-quarter performances of the year.
The response from Adelaide's key forwards has been particularly encouraging. Riley Thilthorpe booted five goals against Essendon, while Taylor Walker added another three as the experienced duo again proved too strong aerially. Walker and Thilthorpe have now combined for 20 goals across the past three matches, creating constant headaches for opposition defenders. Josh Rachele remains the dangerous third option inside 50, while Izak Rankine's ability to rotate between midfield and attack gives Adelaide another genuine match-winner around stoppages and inside the forward arc.
The midfield continues to set the platform. Jordan Dawson collected 30 disposals against Essendon and has reached 25 or more in four of his past six matches. Rankine continues to impact both phases of the game, and Adelaide's ability to win territory through contested ball has allowed its dangerous forward line to capitalise.
Adelaide has been exceptionally reliable at Adelaide Oval against interstate opposition. The Crows have won seven of nine home matches against interstate clubs this season, while their two home matches against bottom-six interstate sides resulted in victories by 79 points over Gold Coast and 68 points over North Melbourne.
Richmond Form Analysis
Richmond finally enjoyed some reward for effort last weekend, snapping an eight-match losing streak with an 11-point victory over West Coast. While the result was significant for confidence, the performance also highlighted many of the issues that have plagued the Tigers throughout 2026. Richmond lost the clearance count, inside 50 count and total scoring shots, but survived through superior efficiency in front of goal as Sam Lalor kicked three majors and Tim Taranto again led from the midfield.
Taranto has been Richmond's most consistent performer throughout the second half of the season, collecting 32 disposals against West Coast to extend his streak to six consecutive matches with at least 25 possessions. The emergence of Sam Lalor continues to excite Tigers supporters, with the young star showing flashes of genuine brilliance, while Tom Lynch remains the focal point inside 50. However, Richmond still struggles to generate sustained attacking opportunities against quality opposition, placing enormous pressure on its forwards to convert limited chances.
Adem Yze's side has been far more competitive than its ladder position suggests, but finishing games against stronger opponents remains an issue. Richmond averages just 65 points per game this season and has lost all six matches against top-eight sides by an average margin of 60 points. Defensively, the Tigers have battled to contain multiple key forwards, a concern given the form of Walker and Thilthorpe heading into this contest.
Adelaide Crows vs Richmond Team List & News
To be updated after team selection on Thursday.
Adelaide Crows Team News
Sam Berry and James Peatling were managed last week and are likely to come back in but Wayne Milera is in some doubt with hamstring tightness. Finnbar Maley snagged five goals in the SANFL and will be considered. Darcy Fogarty is a week away from returning from a suspension.
Richmond Team News
The Tigers have a lengthy injury list. Ben Miller, Campbell Gray and Harry Armstrong are a chance to return from injury, while Noa Balta and Rhyan Mansell missed the win over the Eagles and will be assessed at training during the week.
Adelaide Crows vs Richmond AFL 2026 Round 22 FAQ's
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Verdict
Crows to cover with forwards enjoying a fill up
Adelaide -57.5
Line
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