Gather Round returns in the 2025 AFL season and it kicks off this Thursday night with a blockbuster clash between Adelaide and Geelong! Both clubs have shown some elite level play so far this campaign and are expected to be competing when the whips are cracking in September. As always, we have you covered with a full match preview, best bet, and Same Game Multi below!
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 out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Adelaide vs Geelong
Location: Adelaide Oval
Date: Thursday, 10th April
Time: 7:40pm AEDT
Odds: Adelaide ($1.60) vs Geelong ($2.35)
Line: Adelaide -13.5
Points: 180.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
Adelaide will host Geelong in a Round 5 blockbuster at Adelaide Oval to open Gather Round, with both sides entering the clash in solid form to start the 2025 AFL season. The Crows sit at 3-1 after four rounds, including an impressive win over Essendon at the MCG and a tight one-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns over the past fortnight. Their fast start has been built on an aggressive and efficient attacking game style, with Adelaide averaging a league-best 125 points per game so far this season. That firepower has been matched with intensity at the contest and improved work rate through the middle of the ground, setting the tone for what shapes as a statement year.
The Crows' midfield has been a major driving force behind their early-season success. Jordan Dawson and Jake Soligo have both averaged 27.5 disposals per game, while Rory Laird continues to be a contested ball magnet with 25 per match in a new role in defence. Izak Rankine has also elevated his impact, averaging 23.5 disposals and kicking four goals across the first month. Adelaide’s spread from stoppage and ability to transition quickly into attack has been a standout feature, particularly in their high-scoring wins at home. Despite conceding an average of 85.3 points, their offensive potency has often been enough to overwhelm opponents, especially when they gain early scoreboard momentum.
Geelong, by contrast, have looked measured and composed through the opening rounds, highlighted by a dominant Round 4 win over Melbourne where they prevailed by 39 points. Patrick Dangerfield led the way in that match with three goals, while Bailey Smith has slotted in seamlessly to average 28.3 disposals per game. Tom Atkins and Max Holmes have provided consistent support through the middle, and the Cats continue to rely on a structured defensive setup that has held opponents to just 70.8 points per game—one of the stingiest records in the competition. Their average score of 96 points per game suggests they may need to lift offensively to match the Crows’ high-powered attack, especially away from home.
The statistical contrast between the two sides is compelling. Adelaide ranks first in scoring, while Geelong sits inside the top four defensively. The battle for midfield ascendancy will be pivotal, with both teams possessing strong inside ball-winners and outside runners. Historically, Geelong has dominated this fixture, winning seven of the past eight matchups against Adelaide. However, the Crows’ improvement in ball movement, pressure, and goal-scoring efficiency in 2025 indicates they are a much more dangerous proposition than in recent seasons. Add to that the advantage of playing in front of a parochial home crowd at Adelaide Oval, and the stage is set.
With their dynamic forward line, midfield depth, and current scoring form, Adelaide look primed to make a strong statement against one of the league’s benchmark sides. If they can match Geelong’s pressure and take their chances going forward, the Crows should have the edge in a close and entertaining contest. Back Adelaide to secure a confidence-boosting home win and to cover the small spread.
Adelaide -8.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 AFL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Riley Thilthorpe 2+ Goals – He's now a genuine star of the competition and it's been a while since he's been well held. 3, 3, 3, & 5 goals in his four games this season and we're just asking for 2 here.
Patrick Dangerfield 2+ Goals – Has made a strong start to the 2025 season playing almost permanently up forward. Looks to have some of his explosiveness back and has kicked multiple goals in 3 of 4 matches thus far.
Matt Crouch 25+ Disposals – Should be fresh and ready to go after being rested against the Suns last weekend. I expect him to be at his accumulating best.
SGM Odds: $4.00 at BoomBet
