1. Skipper leads from the front

After a disappointing three weeks in terms of results, the Western Bulldogs needed to respond.

The skipper, Marcus Bontempelli, was instrumental on Sunday afternoon.

He set the tone early against the Adelaide Crows and was superb across the quarters, finding plenty of the ball and throwing himself into every contest.

The Bulldogs dominated almost every statistical area – including disposals, clearances and tackles.

Bontempelli had 33 disposals, plus more clearances (12) and tackles (nine) than any other player on the ground.

He added two goals for good measure, in a best on ground performance.

2. There’s something about Naughty

Much like his breakout game against Richmond last year, Aaron Naughton turned it on.

In just his second game back from the injury, the 20-year-old key forward reminded the footy world of why he is one of the competition’s hottest young prospects.

And we’re not just talking about him rocking a bucket hat in the warm-up.

Naughton had three goals by quarter time, and had a hand in almost everything early.

He finished with 6.1 for the day from his seven kicks, in a day out against one of the league’s best key defenders in Daniel Talia.

3. Baz’s huge gains

We’re not talking about his work shifting tin… we’ll leave that for his teammates to talk about. 

Metres gained.

And Bailey Smith’s gains were huge against the Crows.

The 19-year-old had a career-best 37 disposals on Sunday and incredibly racked up a whopping 813 metres gained.

Plus an equal team-high 10 inside-50s and 12 score involvements.

His line-breaking ability was on a full display – as was his free-flowing mullet – on a sunny Sunday afternoon.