Adelaide v North Melbourne AFL tips & best odds | Round 3 preview

Adelaide v North Melbourne best bets

Adelaide Crows v North Melbourne Round 3 preview

The Crows return to Adelaide Oval in Round 3 as they look to continue their strong start to the 2025 AFL season with a win over North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

Adelaide showed great balance and composure in their win over Essendon last Saturday, where coach Matthew Nicks opted to rest Izak Rankine once the result was beyond doubt. With a nearly full-strength lineup and several in-form players, the Crows are firm favourites to get the job done at home.

North Melbourne, meanwhile, are building nicely under Alastair Clarkson and come off an impressive win over Melbourne in Round 2. However, this clash represents a much tougher test for the young Roos, who will need their midfield and forward line firing to keep up with the Crows.

Top AFL betting sites have Adelaide as clear favourites, but North’s young guns are capable of causing headaches if they get momentum.

Crows v Kangaroos R3 team news

Adelaide’s only new injury concern is Karl Gallagher, who will miss a couple of weeks with a shoulder issue. Rankine will play after being subbed out in the second half against the Bombers, while Chayce Jones is building towards a recall after recovering from a shoulder injury.

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North Melbourne have a few injury clouds. Griffin Logue (hamstring) is a test and could return, while George Wardlaw continues his recovery from a similar issue.

Josh Goater is facing more time out after a setback. Defensive depth looks promising with strong VFL form from Matt Whitlock and Riley Hardeman, while Zane Duursma and Finnbar Maley are also pushing for selection.

Adelaide v North Melbourne predictions

While the Crows are deserving favourites, this could be closer than expected if North Melbourne bring their best. Still, Adelaide’s midfield depth and home-ground advantage should see them through. Look to Rory Laird for value in the disposals market; his ability to find the footy makes $2.75 for 30 or more a solid play with Picklebet.

Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty have been Adelaide’s chief goalscorers early in the season, yet Taylor Walker continues to pose a threat up forward. With the Crows expected to spend plenty of time in attack, ‘Tex’ looks good value to kick three or more goals at $3.80 with online bookmakers.

North Melbourne’s Nick Larkey is another forward who knows how to make an impact. If the Roos give him enough supply, the $2.90 for Larkey to kick three or more is well worth a look at Neds.

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