Third quarter
Key plays
The Western Bulldogs were off to a good start in the second half, kicking the first two goals through Tom Campbell and Tory Dickson.
Adelaide refused to accept defeat, however, retaliating with two goals of their own to Andrew Otten and David Mackay.
The Crows showed just how damaging they could be on the rebound, launching a number of attacks from the Bulldogs attacking half and opening up the ground in their favour.
Repeat attempts on goal from Adelaide eventually paid off when Jared Petrenko kicked his first major for the day which also resulted in the Crows overtaking the lead.
Another goal to Tom Lynch resulted as a real lift in intensity from the Crows who were too strong for the Bulldogs in the term.
A free kick to Rory Sloane saw the away side further extend the margin to 16 points, when he kicked truly in front of goals.
Locking the ball in their attacking half, Adelaide’s pressure and speed made it near impossible for the Dogs to move the ball forward.
Tory Dickson broke the Bulldogs drought, recovering from an opposition bump to spin and finish what he started, with the major giving home side some momentum.
A free kick to Tom Campbell in front of goals from the next stoppage saw him add to his tally producing his fourth - double his previous personal best.
It was nine points the difference when the three quarter time siren sounded, in what is shaping to be a hard fought out game.
Player of the quarter
The ruck may be Tom Campbell’s natural strength but his recent performances, including four goals against the Crows prove that the 21-year-old can be equally damaging in the forward line. His 11 possessions and five marks are nicely complemented by three tackles in what is a career best performances for the young pup.
Statistical snapshot
- Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore, Daniel Cross and Koby Stevens have all laid four tackles
- The Bulldogs had nine extra rebound 50s
- Will Minson is leading the hitouts with 29 to Sam Jacobs 18
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 13. 6. (84) trail Adelaide Crows 14. 9. (93)
Fourth quarter
Key plays
Adam Cooney was a man possessed early in the fourth term, eager to make his 200th game one to remember - with a goal assist, a goal and a behind all to his name in the first three minutes.
His on field example saw the Bulldogs lift as they overtook the lead and continued to produce opportunities in front of goal.
Tom Lynch found his third at the other end of the ground, before Ian Callinan who followed suit with his trifecta.
Consecutive behinds prevented the Bulldogs from again seeing the lead change hands, before Dickson took his opportunity slotting through for his fourth.
Minutes later Dickson became the second Bulldog to notch a personal best in the forward line, kicking his fifth goal as a result of a free kick and putting the Bulldogs seven points in front.
Unwilling to stop there, Dickson became the Bulldogs fourth quarter hero kicking his sixth goal, less than five minutes after his third.
The goals continued to pour in for the Dogs when Mitch Wallis had a set shot straight in front of goals, with the kick never looking like missing.
A screamer of a grab from substitute Lachie Hunter was the catalyst for the next Bulldogs goal, eventually landing in the hands of Koby Stevens who was rewarded a free from a wayward opposition elbow.
The goal put the Bulldogs 18 points ahead with five minutes remaining in the quarter.
The tackling pressure from the Dogs increased as they took a stranglehold of the game, laying 12 more than the opposition.
The Bulldogs produced their highest scoring game for the year to honour milestone man Adam Cooney and continue their strong form on the run home.
Player of the quarter
Few could refute Tory Dickson’s three goals within five minutes wasn’t deserving of of being named player of the quarter for the Bulldogs. Never missing in front of the big sticks, the forward’s 17 disposals, five marks and four tackles also contributed to a strong game from the second year Bulldog.
Statistical snapshot
- The Dogs won the final quarter by 26 points kicking seven goals to the Crows’ three
- Matthew Boyd, Adam Cooney, Mitch Wallis, Luke Dahlhaus and Jarrad Grant all had three score assists each
- The Bulldogs lost the contested possession count by just two but won the disposals by 70
Final scores
Western Bulldogs 20. 11. 131 defeated Adelaide Crows 17. 12. (114)
