While the Bulldogs got back to winning the contested ball and clearance numbers this week, it was the inability to work the ball forward in the third quarter that was most telling according to Tory Dickson.

The Bulldogs jumped out of the block in the first quarter kicking the first four goals, but Adelaide rallied in the second and third quarters, getting on top in crucial statistics.

“That second [and] third quarter obviously we got outscored, we got outnumbered at the ball,” Dickson said.

“We went away from those things we pride ourselves on… and that really cost us.”

The Bulldogs finished the game with more disposals, clearances and contested ball numbers but the 26-year-old said the Crows showed more determination for a bigger portion of the game.

“The numbers stacked up well but it came down to effort, intensity, work rate and I guess we didn’t have enough of it in the second and third quarter,” he said.

The Bulldogs were up and running with a six goal final term to put heat back into the game with more run and dare but Dickson said the team needed to capitalise on their early lead.

“To play two quarters of football is not ideal and it’s not going to win you a game,” he said.

“I guess we got the spirit up and guys started running again and working with each other and we scored off the back of it.”

Dickson’s return to senior football was a positive, kicking three goals and playing a more defensive-minded role in the Bulldogs forward half.