Western Bulldogs v Adelaide

Sunday 26 April, 2014

4:40pm, Etihad Stadium

 

Adelaide come into the round four match undefeated under new coach Phil Walsh, with three wins from their first three rounds against North Melbourne, Collingwood and Melbourne.

Their round two win against Collingwood came at Etihad Stadium, proving they are just as strong interstate and will go into the game against the Dogs full of confidence under the Etihad Stadium roof.

“Unless you win here, I don’t think you get rated,” Walsh said post-match after the Collingwood win.

“The competition is very Melbourne-centric and this is where nine of the 18 teams are, this is where the majority of the media are going to report on footy.”

Since starting at Adelaide, Walsh has emphasised a ‘team-first’ game-plan and the Crows have reaped the rewards. After three games, the Crows have kicked 45 goals through 14 individual goal-kickers, highlighting their ability to share the load.

 

Key Stats

  • #1 in league for kicks (707)
  • #1 in league for tackles (233)
  • #3 in league for hit-outs (136)
  • #3 in league for clearances (141)
  • #3 in league for stoppages (99)
  • #3 in league for inside 50s (175)

 

Players to Watch

Midfield Quartet: Rory Sloane, Patrick Dangerfield, Richard Douglas and Brodie Smith. The dangerous quartet is averaging 101 disposals between them. Melbourne curbed Dangerfield’s influence in round three, but it was Sloane (31 disposals) and Douglas (22 disposals) that stood up. The Crows’ midfield share the ball and the Dogs will need to share the load if they are to reduce their impact.

Taylor Walker: The new Crows’ captain is leading from the front. He’s kicked 11 goals in three games, including a six-goal haul in round one, and sits equal second on the Coleman Medal tally. Michael Talia and Jordan Roughead loom as likely opponents, but the Dogs will require team defence to stop Walker.

 

Head to Head

Western Bulldogs 21

Adelaide 18

 

Last time we met

Adelaide 13.14 (92) defeated Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium, round 6 2014.

 

Last three games

R3 2015 – Adelaide 12.8 (80) defeated Melbourne 7.13 (55)

R2 2015 – Adelaide 12.18 (90) defeated Collingwood 9.9 (63)

R1 2015 – Adelaide 21.14 (140) defeated North Melbourne 9.9 (63)