The Adelaide Crows (Kuwarna) host North Melbourne in Round 10 of the 2026 AFL Premiership Season at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Furthermore, this fixture pits the eighth-placed Crows against the 12th-placed Kangaroos in a critical clash for Wildcard finals positioning.
In addition, the Crows hold an 8-match winning streak against North Melbourne stretching back several seasons. Moreover, the Kangaroos have not won at Adelaide Oval across their past 13 visits. As a result, this fixture carries significant playoff implications as Adelaide pushes for top-eight finals qualification.
Match Details
The game starts at 12:45 PM local ACST time at Adelaide Oval, marking another Saturday afternoon fixture at the iconic venue. Specifically, the match is broadcast across multiple international networks, with the contest set to draw a strong South Australian crowd at the 53,000-capacity venue.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Adelaide Crows vs North Melbourne |
| Tournament | AFL 2026 Premiership Season |
| Round | Round 10 |
| Date | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Local Time (ACST) | 12:45 PM |
| AEST | 1:15 PM |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Capacity | Approximately 53,000 |
| Match Type | Regular season + Sir Doug Nicholls Round |
How Are Both Teams Performing?
Furthermore, the two sides arrive at Adelaide Oval with contrasting form lines. Specifically, the Crows have won four of their past five matches, while the Kangaroos remain in search of a top-six scalp.
Adelaide Crows Form
The Crows sit eighth on the ladder with a 5-4 record and a 101.6% net rating. Specifically, Adelaide turned a 10-point half-time deficit into a 37-point victory over Richmond at the MCG in Round 9. Moreover, captain Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine have anchored the side’s recent winning run. In addition, the Crows have won four of their past five matches against sides currently sitting below their eighth spot. Importantly, Hawthorn and Geelong loom as the Crows’ next two opponents after this fixture.
North Melbourne Form
The Kangaroos sit 12th on the ladder with a 4-5 record and a 104.4% net rating. Specifically, North Melbourne fell agonisingly short against Sydney in Round 9 despite generating more scoring shots and inside 50s than the league leaders. Moreover, the side under Alastair Clarkson continues to lack composure to finish off their hard work. In addition, the Kangaroos arrive in Adelaide with a point to prove after failing to win at Adelaide Oval across their past 13 visits and a horror streak of 8 straight losses to the Crows.
Form Comparison
The form table below compares both teams across their last 5 matches.
Adelaide Crows Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2026 | Richmond | Won by 37 points |
| May 1, 2026 | Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) | Won by 1 point |
| April 26, 2026 | Brisbane Lions | Lost by 52 points |
| April 18, 2026 | Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) | Won by 1 point |
| April 9, 2026 | Carlton | Won by 28 points |
North Melbourne Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | Sydney Swans | Lost by 8 points |
| May 2, 2026 | Geelong Cats | Lost by 49 points |
| April 26, 2026 | GWS Giants | Lost by 7 points |
| April 19, 2026 | Richmond | Won by 75 points |
| April 11, 2026 | Brisbane Lions | Lost by 26 points |
AFL Round 10 Ladder Position
The ladder position reflects the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs in 2026. Furthermore, just four ladder positions separate Adelaide from North Melbourne heading into Round 10.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Adelaide Crows (Kuwarna) | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 20 | 101.7 |
| 12 | North Melbourne | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 104.4 |
Head-to-Head: Adelaide Crows vs North Melbourne
The Crows have dominated this rivalry, winning the last 8 meetings against the Kangaroos. Specifically, Adelaide have won the past 3 head-to-head clashes by an average margin of 35 points.
| Date | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 23, 2025 | Round 24 | Adelaide won by 13 points (113-100) |
| March 30, 2025 | Round 3 | Adelaide won by 36 points (114-78) |
| April 27, 2024 | Round 7 | Adelaide won by 57 points (138-81) |
Playing Squads
Here are the squads for teams.
Adelaide Crows Playing Squad
The Crows field a settled lineup led by captain Jordan Dawson and the in-form Izak Rankine. Specifically, the side combines experienced veterans with the contested ball-winners across midfield.
Adelaide Crows Playing Squad: Jordan Dawson (c), Izak Rankine, Rory Laird, Reilly O’Brien, Mark Keane, Jake Soligo, Wayne Milera, Mitch Hinge, Brayden Cook, Josh Worrell, Max Michalanney, Sam Berry, Lachie Murphy, Ben Keays, Lachlan Sholl, Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty, Jordon Butts, Taylor Walker, Callum Ah Chee, Luke Pedlar, Chayce Jones, Hugh Bond
IN: Jordon Butts, Darcy Fogarty OUT: Hugh Bond, Riley Thilthorpe (injury doubt)
North Melbourne Playing Squad
The Kangaroos are led by first-year captain Nick Larkey with Luke Davies-Uniacke anchoring the midfield. Specifically, the side combines experienced campaigners with developing young talent.
North Melbourne Playing Squad: Nick Larkey (c), Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel, Tristan Xerri, Tom Powell, Jy Simpkin, Cam Zurhaar, Bailey Scott, Paul Curtis, Zac Fisher, Dylan Stephens, Kallan Dawson, Caleb Daniel, Hugh Greenwood, Charlie Comben, Aidan Corr, Toby Pink, Jack Darling, Liam Shiels, Eddie Ford, Riley Hardeman, Colby McKercher, Finn O’Sullivan
Game Shapers and Key Players
Furthermore, several individual matchups will shape the outcome of the Round 10 fixture. Specifically, both sides feature standout players at every position.
Adelaide Crows Key Players
Izak Rankine has been the spark Adelaide needed to ignite their season. Specifically, the 26-year-old impressed with 33 disposals, 5 clearances, 9 tackles, and 1 goal against Richmond after being handed more midfield minutes.
Jordan Dawson continues to lead from the front as Crows captain. In addition, his 29 disposals and 1 goal against Richmond turned a half-time deficit into a 37-point victory.
Reilly O’Brien anchors the Crows’ ruck division with consistent hit-out work. Moreover, his stoppage dominance has been central to Adelaide’s midfield supremacy across the season.
North Melbourne Key Players
Luke Davies-Uniacke has emerged as one of the AFL’s premier midfielders despite the Kangaroos’ losses. Specifically, his 34 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 6 clearances, and 2 goal assists against Sydney earned him 10 coaches votes in a losing effort.
Nick Larkey is the Roos’ first-year captain and lead key forward. In addition, the captain needs to lead the way as the next stage of the rebuild unfolds, having booted just 2 goals in 3 clashes with top-six opposition.
Harry Sheezel continues to be one of North Melbourne’s most consistent ball-winners. Moreover, his attack on the football remains central to the Kangaroos’ midfield identity.
Betting Odds for Adelaide Crows vs North Melbourne
Furthermore, the bookmakers have priced Adelaide as solid home favourites for the Round 10 fixture. Specifically, the line is set at Adelaide -9.5 points across most major bookmakers.
| Bookmaker | Adelaide Win | North Melbourne Win | Line (Adelaide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsbet | $1.50 | $2.61 | -9.5 |
| TAB | $1.48 | $2.65 | -9.5 |
| Bet365 | $1.48 | $2.60 | -9.5 |
| BetEasy | $1.50 | $2.61 | -9.5 |
| Pointsbet | $1.50 | $2.61 | -9.5 |
Stats Insider Model Prediction
Specifically, the Stats Insider model rates Adelaide as solid home favourites against the Kangaroos.
- Adelaide to win: 68%
- North Melbourne to win: 32%
- Predicted margin: Adelaide by 9 to 14 points
- Predicted total: 180 points
- Both teams to score 80+: Yes (probability 72%)
Expert Tips for Round 10
Adelaide are favourites with -9.5 handicap. Specifically, the Crows’ home advantage at Adelaide Oval and head-to-head dominance tilt the prediction firmly towards the home side.
- Adelaide Crows to win with -9.5 handicap
- Total points over 178.5
- Izak Rankine 25+ disposals
- Jordan Dawson 28+ disposals
- Luke Davies-Uniacke 30+ disposals
Where to Watch Adelaide Crows vs North Melbourne Round 10
Furthermore, the match is broadcast across multiple international networks.
| Platform | Coverage | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Channel 7 | Live broadcast | Australia |
| Fox Footy | Live broadcast | Australia |
| Kayo Sports | Live streaming | Australia |
| Foxtel | Live broadcast | Australia |
| Watch AFL | Live streaming | Worldwide |
| TNT Sports | Live broadcast | UK |
| HBO Max | Live streaming | UK |
Match Prediction: Adelaide Crows to Win Narrowly at Home
In summary, Adelaide look solid favourites to extend their head-to-head dominance over North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval. Specifically, the Crows’ 8-match winning streak, home advantage, and North Melbourne’s 13-match losing run at Adelaide Oval all favour the Crows. Moreover, the return of key tall players Darcy Fogarty and Jordon Butts strengthens the Adelaide forward and back lines. Furthermore, Matthew Nicks’s tactical control and the form of Rankine and Dawson should ensure the Crows close out a comfortable victory.
Final Prediction: Adelaide Crows to win by 9 to 14 points
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Conclusion: Crows Aim to Extend Winning Streak Over Kangaroos
The Adelaide Crows vs North Melbourne Round 10 fixture pits the eighth-placed Crows against a 12th-placed Kangaroos side. Specifically, Adelaide’s 8-match head-to-head winning streak and the Roos’ 13-match losing run at Adelaide Oval make the Crows clear favourites.
Furthermore, kick-off is at 12:45 PM ACST (1:15 PM AEST) on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Adelaide Oval, with live coverage on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and Kayo Sports across Australia.
