First quarter 

Key Plays

Torrential rain early in the quarter made for difficult conditions for football at AAMI Stadium. 

Possessions were hard fought for throughout the term, with the weather proving difficult to maintain possession. 

It was a low scoring affair with Patrick Dangerfield proving a handful up forward, while Adam Cooney and Matthew Boyd found their way onto the scoreboard for the Bulldogs. 

Player of the quarter

Adam Cooney has continued his good form in the first quarter against Adelaide. With a hand in both of the Bulldogs goals, the veteran who originally hailed from South Australia was influential across the ground racking up ten disposals and collecting three clearances.

Statistical snapshot

  • Adam Cooney and captain Matthew Boyd were the leading clearance winners on the ground with three a piece
  • Both sides are tied with 98 disposals each, 10 inside 50s each and only two the difference in clearances (Adel 10, WB 12) and hitouts (Adel 12, WB 14)

Progressive Scores

Adelaide Crows 2. 3. (15) lead Western Bulldogs 2. 2. (14)

Second quarter

Key Plays

Clearing the ball from tight and congested situations proved the biggest task in the second quarter, with players on both sides given little room to move early. 

While Adelaide made the biggest impact on the scoreboard, kicking two unanswered goals, the Bulldogs remained firmly in the game.

The Bulldogs inability to penetrate their forward 50 limited their scoring opportunities, while a number of turnovers were costly.

Player of the quarter

Will Minson’s tireless work around the stoppages was first rate all quarter, with 21 hitouts to his name at half time. The ability to get first touch was a high priority for the Bulldogs and the 28-year-old continued to execute his role with confidence. 

Statistical snapshot

  • Tom Liberatore (12), Matthew Boyd (seven), Adam Cooney (seven) and Koby Stevens (seven) are winning their fair share of the contested ball 
  • The Dogs back six are working hard to mount pressure on Adelaide’s attacking fleet with Jordan Roughead leading in rebound 50s with four, followed by Dale Morris and Brett Goodes with three each
  • Winning the hard ball remains the Bulldogs main focus as they continue to lead in hitouts (Adel 23, WB 27) and clearances (Adel 23, WB 25) but still marginally trail in contested possessions (Adel 95, WB 93)

Progressive Scores

Adelaide Crows 4. 5. (29) leads Western Bulldogs 2. 2. (14)