Saturday night footy in AFL Round 12 features a standalone fixture in the 7:35pm AEST slot, with Sydney and Adelaide set to do battle. The Swans are languishing in 13th while the Crows are up in 4th, however it’s expected to be a lot closer than ladder positioning suggests according to the betting markets.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Swans vs Crows below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Sydney vs Adelaide Prediction & Tips: 2025 AFL Round 12
Sydney’s Season Slipping Away
The Sydney Swans, who contested the 2024 Grand Final, are currently a distant echo of that formidable side as they prepare to host the Adelaide Crows. Recent performances highlight a club grappling with a significant injury crisis, with a number of their best 23 players consistently unavailable, compounded by recent suspensions. This has seen the Swans plummet to 13th on the ladder. Their current form including a heavy 53-point defeat to Melbourne last outing, underscores their struggles. Coach Dean Cox recently lamented the team's inconsistency, particularly after their latest defeat, with their forward line only averaging 77 points per game in their last seven outings – a stark contrast to their 2024 potency. While the midfield efforts of Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner remain commendable, the overall team performance reflects a unit desperately seeking to rediscover its identity.
Adelaide Back on Track
The Adelaide Crows make the journey to Sydney in strong form, currently in the AFL's top four and increasingly spoken of as genuine premiership contenders. Much lauded is their dynamic and high-scoring game style, which has propelled them to the third-best offence in the league. Most recently, the Crows recorded a dominant 66-point victory over West Coast in Round 11, where captain Jordan Dawson earned a perfect 10 coaches' votes. Key forwards Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty, and Riley Thilthorpe are leading a multi-pronged attack, and the return of Walker for this clash after being managed, alongside defender Brodie Smith, further strengthens an already confident lineup.
Recent History and Trends
Examining the key statistics and recent history, a fascinating picture emerges. While Sydney has won the last six head-to-head encounters against Adelaide, the current season's data paints a different story. The Swans' injury toll and offensive frailties are evident in their diminished output across key statistical categories compared to their 2024 benchmarks. Adelaide, on the other hand, excels in areas like clearance work and scores from stoppages, reflecting their midfield dominance and potent attack.
Who Flies Highest? Here’s our Sydney vs Adelaide Tip
Given the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs, the Crows are justifiably favourites. Sydney's extensive injury list and current lack of cohesion, especially in attack, make it difficult to see them containing a Crows outfit firing on all cylinders and hungry to solidify their top-four standing. While the Swans will undoubtedly fight hard on their home deck, Adelaide's superior firepower and current belief should see them secure the victory. Based on current form, the Crows appear well-equipped to cover the -6.5 point spread
Adelaide –6.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Sydney vs Adelaide Player Prop Bet: Rachele Rampage
Our Best Player Prop: Josh Rachele 2+ Goals
Josh Rachele (Adelaide) is having a fantastic season after what was a lacklustre 2024 that saw him dropped for the Crows final game. By all reports he put in a mountain of work in the off-season and he’s repaing the rewards. Despite having an injury-affected game, Rachele is averaging 2.1 goals per game and has kicked multiples in five of his eight games this season. He’s coming off a five-goal haul last week which matches his career-high and at $2.70 at Bet365, it’s just too good to refuse having a couple of units on.
Josh Rachele 2+ Goals
$2.70 (2 Units)
Sydney vs Adelaide Same Game Multi
Josh Rachele 2+ Goals: Happy to double down here and include Rachele in our Same Game Multi for the reasons mentioned above.
Alex Neale-Bullen Score Anytime: He’s been a sneaky good pickup for the Crows and has been hitting the scoreboard most weeks. He’s jagged at least one goal in five of his last six games.
Matt Roberts 20+ Disposals: Nick Blakey will have to play tall here so there will be more rebounding duties for Roberts who’s having a consistent season. He’s had nine straight games of 20+ touches.
Sydney vs Adelaide Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday, 31st May
Time: 7:35pm AEST
Location: SCG, Sydney
Weather: 18 degrees, partly cloudy
Odds: Sydney ($2.30) vs Adelaide ($1.62)
Line: Adelaide –7.5
Points: 175.5
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Where to Watch Sydney vs Adelaide?
You can watch all the Swans vs Crows action live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our Sydney vs Adelaide Tips at Dabble!
