Adelaide Tops the Ladder — Now Prepares for Crows vs Collingwood Finals Blockbuster

The Adelaide Crows have just finished part of one of the most inspiring journeys in modern AFL. Years of rebuilding effort and passion towards criticism culminated in their finishing atop the ladder in 2025, and they are now only a few wins away from the premiership. The Crows first big obstacle to overcome is taking on the Collingwood Magpies in the Qualifying Final at the Adelaide Oval.

This match is about much more than two teams. It is about two stories:

Adelaide’s patient rebuild, and emotional ascension.

Collingwood on the hunt to overcome comically bizarre curse since 2000: no team finishing fourth has won the premiership.

Supporters from both teams are excited, and the buzz in Adelaide is palpable. This is not just a game of footy. This is a blockbuster theatre, rich in sport, rivalry, and human emotion.

Adelaide’s Incredible Journey To The Top

Adelaide supporters must be utterly ecstatic following the events of the 2023 season. After years of heartbreak and disappointment and the 2017 Grand Final being the most recent of the lot, the club has finally put it together. Coach Matthew Nicks has been adamant about the idea of building a young, hungry group. And in 2023, they have done just that. Dawson, Thilthorpe, Michalanney, and Pedlar all took their games to a new level at various points during the season. The Crows have played an exciting and fearless style of football that has encouraged explainable awe from people across Australia. To finish at the top of the ladder is indicative of continued consistency, supplemented by an increasingly confident team. For the first time in many years, Crows supporters feel like they belong at the big stage again.

Collingwood’s Story: A Team With History and Pressure

The Collingwood Magpies, one of the biggest clubs in the AFL, know what finals pressure is like. While they are still thought of for the dramatic 2023 premiership, the 2025 season has been bumpy: 

Injury troubles to key players such as Jeremy Howe; 

Form issues with Dan McStay; 

A heavy reliance on veterans | Scott Pendlebury and Mason Cox. 

While Coach Craig McRae has worked hard to get balance in the team, the true test now lies ahead. Collingwood needs to break the finals curse that has been burdening them since 2000 - No team finishing in 4th place has lifted the cup in 25 years.

Rivalry Between Crows and Magpies

This of course is more than just a finals match-up. There is history:

In 2023, Adelaide believes it missed a finals opportunity due to a non-call in a match against Collingwood.

In 2024, another late umpiring decision went Collingwood's way, upsetting Crows fans.

Over the past 6 matches, the combined margin between teams has been only 25 points, which is testimony to the rivalry both on and off the field.

Now, we enter the hottest stage of the rivalry, a Qualifying Final in front of an excited crowd at the Adelaide Oval.

Human Stories Behind the Game

Sports are never just about the numbers. They're about the people, and their emotions, and their struggles. 

Taylor Walker's 300 Game: The Adelaide legend symbolizes this milestone. From that big-bodied, strong forward to a mentor for young players. This is all about loyalty and leadership! Even TV stars from Home & Away impacted by Walker, sent him messages of respect, commenting how he has pioneered their long-running soap opera careers. 

Izak Rankine's Absence: The talented forward received a four-match suspension for making a homophobic slur. Rankine met his teammates with tears, apologising and promising to come back stronger. This clearly hurts Adelaide, and as painful as his absence will be, it also adds an emotional layer to their finals journey. 

Fans' Emotions: Adelaide supporters cannot believe it. Those family units are currently planning road trips in South Australia, children are painting their faces in red, blue, and yellow, and pubs are alive with chants of, "We believe."

Key Players to Watch

Here’s a quick look at the impact players who can decide the match:

What’s at Stake?

For Adelaide: If they win then they will move straight into the Preliminary Final, with a real chance of getting back into their first Grand Final since 2017.

For Collingwood: If they win, it would quieten any doubters and give them a chance of breaking the 4th place premiership curse.

Both clubs understand, that one mistake can ruin months of hard work.

Does a low scoring game favour Collingwood? Joey's given us an insight into the Crows vs Pies 👀👇

CROWS VS PIES PREVIEW: https://t.co/CL3OslcveF pic.twitter.com/B1kZ0XuACR

— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) September 3, 2025

Emotional Weight of the Game

Finals are a time of pure emotion. Adelaide Oval will be awash with:

If Adelaide win for Walker's milestone - tears of joy.

If Collingwood can repeat history and steal another close one - screams of frustration.

And nervous energy will be painted across every fans' face as they know the margins have been thin in this rivalry.

Prediction

Adelaide appears to be a stronger side, particularly with the home ground advantage, on paper. Collingwood has that finals experience, however, and they have a knack for performing under pressure.

This game shapes as one of the tightest qualifying finals we have seen in AFL history. Expect a margin of less than two goals.