Next up on Geelong's schedule is a Thursday night clash under the lights at GMHBA Stadium, with the Cats set to take on Adelaide in Round 3. 

It will be a match-up between the 2025 ladder leaders, with Adelaide taking out the minor premiership while Geelong finished close behind in second position. 

The Crows have damaging players across every line including the likes of Jordan Dawson, who finished in fourth place with 27 votes in the 2025 Brownlow Medal. 

Adelaide boast a star studded forward line that includes Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker, along with impressive defenders like Jordon Butts and Josh Worrell. 

With a distinct game plan and two solid hit-outs behind them to start the year, take a look at the main strengths of Adelaide's game ahead of Thursday's big clash, proudly presented by Deakin University. 

2025 Ladder 

Geelong: 2nd (17-6)

Adelaide: 1st (18-5)

Results So Far in 2026

Geelong
OR: Gold Coast 19.11 (125) def Geelong 10.9 (69)
Rd 1: Geelong 16.14 (110) def Fremantle 14.16 (100)

Adelaide
Rd 1: Collingwood 11.13 (79) def by Adelaide 13.15 (93)
Rd 2: Adelaide 13.10 (88) def by Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94)

Deakin Performance Stat of the Week 

Limiting Adelaide's Uncontested Marking

Adelaide had a very clear game plan against the Bulldogs in Round 2, choosing to be ultra patient with ball in hand and amassing substantial numbers of uncontested marks to keep control of the contest. 

Particularly in the first half, the Crows were more than happy playing the uncontested game and attempted to dictate proceedings, finishing the match with 119 marks which was 58 more than the Bulldogs. 

They also took 19 more than Collingwood in Round 1, which led to a big victory for the Crows at the MCG to open their season. 

Adelaide rank third in the AFL for total marks so far this year, currently averaging 30 more marks per game than they did across the 2025 season, a distinct shift in their style. 

They did release the shackles after half time in Round 2 and looked threatening in transition, so it will certainly be one to keep an eye on this week and whether the Cats can find a way to restrict their desired way of moving the football.  

Total Marks Leaders - Average Per Game

Keeping Jordan Dawson Quiet

There are not many players more damaging than Jordan Dawson in the competition right now. 

2025 included a fourth place finish in the Brownlow Medal, a second All-Australian blazer and a third consecutive Adelaide Best and Fairest Award, quite the season for the Crows skipper. 

But Dawson has already shown no signs of slowing down in 2026, coming off a brilliant performance against the Bulldogs where he collected 25 disposals, eight clearances and kicked a goal. 

Able to play through the midfield, across half back or even as a damaging forward with his marking prowess and decision making, Geelong will need to be aware of where Dawson is at all times on Thursday night. 

Navigating Through the Crows' Defence

If there is one area of the game that Adelaide particularly excel in, it is their defence and their ability to force turnovers and launch counter attacks. 

The Crows rank second in the AFL this year for total intercept possessions and fourth for intercept marks, led by Jordon Butts but also heavily influenced by the likes of Josh Worrell and Nick Murray. 

But what is most impressive is their ability to turn defence into offence. 

Adelaide rank third in the AFL this year for scores from turnovers, while also sitting third for scores launched from their defensive half, showing that they certainly capitalise on opportunities that are presented to them. 

Geelong were much better with their ball use after quarter time against Fremantle, but they will need to improve even further if they want to challenge Adelaide's stingy defence in Round 3.