The Western Bulldogs have gritted their teeth with a six-point win over the Adelaide Crows on Friday night, thanks to the heroics of Oskar Baker late in the final term.
The Dogs looked to be on the canvas in the last quarter as Adelaide ascended towards the lead however Luke Beveridge’s men found some extra bite to come away winners, 14.10 (94) to 13.10 (88).
Returning from suspension, it was Izak Rankine who lit the crowd up with a stunner from the boundary midway through the final term. That, until Baker rolled up his sleeves to go one better deep in the forward pocket to seal victory for the Dogs.
Skipper Marcus Bontempelli stood up as he always does with the game on the line, (30 disposals and a goal), showing grunt in the contest and polish by hand as apprentice Joel Friejah showed his promise with another standout performance (24 disposals and three goals).
Aaron Naughton continued his strong form kicking three majors. However it was his inspiring defensive acts that lifted his side in the big moments, which has often been a downfall of the Dogs forward line in previous seasons.
The game was fueled by some amazing one-on-one duels as Crows defenders Jordan Butts and Nick Murray took it up to Bulldogs superstar Sam Darcy who was often left frustrated by the pair.
On the other side, it was James O’Donnell who produced an eye-catching game in defence for Bevo’s men, being the rock for his side, as Rory Lobb and Buku Khamis were workmen like in tough roles against the Crows spearheads.
The first half dominance from the Dogs largely came from Adelaide’s slow ball movement, allowing Bevo’s men to retreat and pounce on any turnover that came their way, with the Dogs attacking weapons proving too slick in offensive transition.
Following the break, it was a more daring Crows outfit led by captain Jordan Dawson (25 disposals and one goal), as his cleanliness brought his tall forwards into the game, Taylor Walker (three goals), Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe with two apiece.
The Crows’ urgency in ball movement looked to be all too much for the Dogs deep into the game. However, it was the midfield battle that proved there was one more twist in the tail.
The Bulldogs won the clearance battle for the night, (38 to 45), as Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards were vital in being clean and gaining much needed territory for the visitors late, often giving their forwards a better look at goal. Proving to the competition they can close out tight games against the strong sides in 2026.
Matthew Nicks will be left to ponder the one that got away. As the Crows conceded their third loss in a row at Adelaide Oval, they’ll have a five-day break before a meeting with the Cats awaits down in Geelong on Thursday night.
For the triumphant Bulldogs, their momentum will be put to a halt, as they enjoy the controversial luxury of an early season bye, to soak in the undefeated start to the season.
ADELAIDE 3.0 5.2 8.7 13.10 (88)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.4 7.5 11.7 14.11 (94)
GOALS
Adelaide: Walker 3, Thilthorpe 2, Fogarty 2, Rachele 2, Butts, Soligo, Dawson, Rankine
Western Bulldogs: Freijah 3, Naughton 3, Baker 3, Williams 2, Croft, Bontempelli, Darcy
BEST
Adelaide: Butts, Worrell, Dawson, Thilthorpe, Walker
Western Bulldogs: Freijah, Richards, Khamis, Liberatore, English, Naughton
INJURIES
Adelaide: Ah Chee (right hamstring)
Western Bulldogs: Nil
LATE CHANGES
Adelaide: Hugh Bond (illness), replaced in selected side by Chayce Jones
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Crowd: 49,185 at Adelaide Oval
Read more from Kristian Cavallo HERE.
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About Kristian Cavallo
Third year university student, looking to explore my passion in writing particularly about AFL.
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Well played Kristian.
The huge Thursday night crowd should have been more vocal in the first half when the Crows were very flat.
Not sure if they’ll be able to reset against Geelong, which has a twelve day break cf Adelaide’s six. Can’t afford another slow start. Yet another minus against the stupidity of Opening Round and the subsequent need for early season byes.
Dogs look the real deal so far, but it’s still only March.
It would be nice if the official AFL match report had the correct score (Dogs should be 14.10, not your fault Kristian.)
And now a third solid report of a fascinating game. (I jumped the gun with my earlier comment)
I agree with your observation of Libba who was a spirited influence when the game was up for grabs. He is a player of tremendous heart.
Thanks Kristian, An easy to read and process synopsis for a passionate supporter (me) who is not across the technical aspects of the games and new rules. I look forward to reading more of your columns.
Good report Kristian thanks. I am a bit biased but I am gob smacked when media and supporters suggest Bont isn’t the best player going around. His last 15 minutes on Friday night were inspirational the way he willed himself to every contest and impacted.
We are blessed to have him and also Libba who shuffles around like a cart horse but rarely lets us down.He has a heart as big as Phar Lap.
Finally ,Buku’s form is a delight as he is a fan favorite at the Dogs and we are thrilled for him. May he continue to play the way he is.
Cheers keep up the good work
Hayden Kelly
I was really enthused by this read Kristian.
You have brightened my week and left me a better man.
Thank you.