AFL 2026: Can Adelaide Break 12-Year MCG Curse Against Collingwood?
Adelaide faces a formidable challenge this Saturday as they attempt to break a 12-year losing streak against Collingwood in a Super Saturday rematch of last year’s qualifying final. The Crows haven’t tasted victory over the Magpies at the MCG since , and their overall record against Collingwood in recent years paints a grim picture: just one win in their last 13 encounters.
The pressure is mounting on Adelaide, particularly after a disappointing straight-sets exit in the finals last year. Despite finishing as minor premiers, questions linger about their ability to perform when the stakes are highest. Former Richmond star Jack Riewoldt believes the scrutiny surrounding the Crows is justified.
“Adelaide is under immense pressure, and I have no doubt that in Adelaide they are under even more pressure to find where they are at,” Riewoldt told Foxfooty.com.au. “Straight sets exit in the finals last year – did they have a soft draw? Is that why they finished first? So many questions to be answered internally, and externally as well, because we’re all watching.”
Riewoldt questioned whether Adelaide’s success last season was a product of a favorable schedule, and whether their game plan and team selections hold up under the intense pressure of finals football. He emphasized the need for the Crows to demonstrate consistency and resilience throughout the season.
“Is that (bowing out in straight sets) the anomaly, or is this a side that maybe can’t stand the heat of finals – does the game plan stand up in finals? Does the selection stand up in finals? It’ll be a fascinating watch over the year.”
Adelaide has bolstered its roster with the additions of Cal Ah Chee and Finnbar Maley, along with draftees Mitch Marsh and Archie Ludowyke, hoping to address the issues that plagued their finals campaign. Although, Riewoldt suggests that these changes may not be enough to elevate the Crows to true contender status.
“Probably not (enough change), to be honest, and I think that Adelaide may admit that as well, that they may be batting a midfielder short – a dynamic midfielder,” Riewoldt said. “I have no doubt they would have loved to have got someone like a Petracca to their footy club … but can they reinvent someone to run through that midfield and be the running mate to Izak Rankine?”
Riewoldt pointed to the need for a consistent performer in the midfield, questioning whether Josh Rachele is ready to step into that role. “Is it (Josh) Rachele – who’s … not a bona fide AFL player yet, for mine. He’s still too flighty, and that will be the thing for him – can he become a consistent AFL player, where we know which (version) we’re getting, three out of four weeks?”
Collingwood, meanwhile, enters the match with its own set of challenges. Despite reaching the preliminary final last year, concerns remain about the age and potential decline of their roster, as well as recent injuries. Riewoldt highlighted the need for the Magpies to prove they can maintain their competitive edge.
“I think it was a little bit of an uninspiring game (against the Saints)… but until we observe Collingwood against those highly offensively-slanted sides, does their game plan stand up?” Riewoldt posed. “The early part of the season is always about answering questions about where a side actually does sit … I will be fascinated to see how Collingwood stands up against what I think will be a pretty aggressive Adelaide.”
Collingwood secured a narrow 12-point victory over St Kilda to begin their campaign, but Riewoldt questioned whether their style of play is sustainable against stronger opponents. He noted their reliance on uncontested marks and their struggles to generate inside-50s.
“I don’t know whether 140 uncontested marks will fly against the best sides, and I don’t know if you give up 60+ inside-50s that’ll fly as well. So, they’ve got some perform to do, no doubt … they are going to be a fascinating watch.”
Despite these concerns, Riewoldt ultimately leans towards a Collingwood victory, citing the advantage of playing at the MCG. “I think this is going to be a pretty close battle, and I think that maybe Collingwood might just get the points – I only say that because of the MCG factor,” he said. “I think that’s real. I think that is really real. They (the Crows) don’t play at the G a lot; it’s a very different ground to Adelaide Oval. If this were being played at Adelaide Oval, I’d be typing Adelaide. But purely for the fact it’s at the MCG, I’ll be tipping Collingwood.”
The match, set to be broadcast live and exclusively on FOX FOOTY, promises to be a compelling contest between two teams with much to prove. Adelaide will be desperate to end their 12-year drought at the MCG and silence the doubters, while Collingwood will aim to reaffirm their status as a premiership contender.