The Western Bulldogs have emphatically returned to the winners’ list, with a 57-point victory over Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs squared the ledger at six wins and six losses and improved their percentage to 97 percent, ahead of crucial run home towards the finals.

Aaron Naughton was the star up forward with a career-high six goals, while skipper Marcus Bontempelli put in a superb four quarter performance.

Bontempelli’s made for incredible reading – 33 disposals, two goals, 11 score involvements, six marks, 12 clearances, nine tackles and six inside 50s. 

MATCH CENTRE | View all the individual and team stats from the Bulldogs and Crows clash.

Naughton, who was the lone tall target for the Dogs with Josh Bruce unavailable, was a dominant force in just his second game back from an ankle injury.

He booted three goals in the opening term and looked dangerous throughout, finishing with six marks (all inside 50), including three contested. 

Lachie Hunter made a triumphant return to AFL level, including an inspirational third quarter goal which prompted a passionate celebration.  He finished with 29 touches at 86% efficiency.

Bailey Smith’s hard-running was a feature, with the youngster racking up 811 metres gained on his way to a game-high 37 disposals. 

The Bulldogs amassed 31 scoring shots and could have blown the margin out even further, if not for missed opportunities and a three-straight Adelaide goals late in the final term.

The Dogs’ victory was built on a clearance masterclass.  They won the overall clearances by a whopping 25, and the centre clearances by 13.

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Despite their early dominance, the Bulldogs looked vulnerable at times in transition, with four of the Crows’ first-half goals coming from defensive chains, which kept them in the contest.

But the Dogs were dominant after the main break, going on a run of seven straight goals which ensured a comfortable win.

Easton Wood put in a contender for Mark of the Year with a towering grab in the second quarter, while ruckman Tim English came from the field late with an ankle injury.

The Bulldogs take on Melbourne next Saturday in a crucial Sir Doug Nicholls Round encounter.

MATCH DETAILS

Western Bulldogs            6.3          8.8          12.12     16.15 (111)

Adelaide Crows                4.1          5.3          5.5          8.6 (54)
 

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 6, Bontempelli 2, Cavarra 2, Dale, Lloyd, Hunter, Dunkley, McLean, English
Adelaide: Stengle, Walker, Himmelberg, Murphy, Smith, Laird, Mackay, M.Crouch

BEST
Western Bulldogs:  Bontempelli, Naughton, Smith, Hunter, Liberatore, Williams
Adelaide: M.Crouch, Keays, O’Brien, Laird

VOTE NOW - MACCA'S MVP | Vote for the Bulldogs' best on ground in the win over Adelaide for a chance to win a $20 McCafe Visa Gift Card.

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: English (ankle)
Adelaide: McPherson (hamstring)