The Western Bulldogs will be looking to keep their four-game Ballarat winning streak alive when they host Adelaide at Mars Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Round 6 v Adelaide Crows
When: Saturday 23 April 2022
Where: Mars Stadium
Game Starts: 1.45pm AEST
Gates Open: 12pm AEST
Admission: Buy tickets here
Broadcast: Fox Footy.
Macca’s Kick 2 Kick is back for the 2022 AFL season! Fans are encouraged to bring their own footballs to enjoy the Macca’s Kick 2 Kick experience on Saturday, approximately 10-15 minutes after the final siren.
2021 SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 5th: 15-7: 132.8%
Adelaide Crows 15th: 7-15: 82%
LAST MEETING
Western Bulldogs 15.15 (105) def. Adelaide 8.8 (56)
A five-goal opening blitz set the Bulldogs on their way to a 49-point win in their last encounter with Adelaide. Playing at Mars Stadium in round 20, the hosts dominated disposals (374-330), clearances (44-35) and inside 50 entries (65-40) while displaying class and polish in windy conditions. The Bulldogs had 12 individual goalkickers contribute, with defenders Caleb Daniel (32 possessions, five marks) and Bailey Dale (31 possessions, 682m gained) finding plenty of the footy. Jack Macrae was prolific inside, registering 12 clearances to go with 31 touches.
THE TALKING POINTS
Return to the ‘Rat
The Bulldogs will return to their second home, Mars Stadium, this weekend, playing for premiership points for the first time this year. Recent history at the venue should give the hosts some confidence heading into the clash against a resurgent Adelaide outfit however – having won five of their past six games in Ballarat. Two of those were also against the Crows, at an average winning margin of 43 points.
100 for TO
Off-season recruit Tim O’Brien will notch up his 100th career game this weekend. The 28-year-old celebrated his first win in the red, white and blue against North Melbourne on Good Friday, flying high to intercept in defence and finish with 17 disposals and nine marks. Able to play at either end of the ground, O’Brien was also deployed as a forward during his nine-season career at Hawthorn.
Selection decisions
With Riley Garcia suffering knee cartilage damage and Lachie Hunter taking personal leave indefinitely, the Bulldogs will have at least two changes to make this weekend. Louis Butler could be a chance for a recall after his efforts in the VFL, with Buku Khamis and Josh Schache other options if the magnets move a bit. Robbie McComb returned from a rib injury and picked up where he left off, while Stef Martin and Hayden Crozier loom as experienced alternatives.
