Scott Thompson was a shining light for Adelaide. Thompson was the only Crow to collect more than 25 possessions against the Dogs, amassing a game-high 38 disposals including 21 contested. Only GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel (39) had more touches in Round Four.
Thompson won more clearances (11) than any other player in Round Four and also kicked a goal.
The Crows lost the tackle count for the first time this season, beaten soundly by the Bulldogs, 71-52. Adelaide laid fewer tackles than any team in Round Four.
Eddie Betts (four) and Patrick Dangerfield (two) were Adelaide’s only multiple goalkickers. It was Betts’ second bag of four this season.
Adelaide was held goalless in a quarter (third) for the first time since the Club’s Round Three loss to Sydney last year.
The Crows conceded their biggest score of the season by far – 18.17 (125) – on Sunday – nearly double the Club’s average score against in the opening three rounds.
A few of the statistics were deceiving at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Crows won the clearances (43-34) and had a similar number of contested possessions as their opponents, but the visitors’ disposal efficiency under the Bulldogs’ immense pressure told the story. The Crows committed 28 clanger kicks – the second most on the weekend, and their kicking efficiency dipped as low as 31 per cent in the second quarter.
The disappointing defeat ended Adelaide’s perfect start to the season. The top-of-the-table Fremantle is now the only unbeaten team in the AFL after four rounds. The Crows are one of five teams with a 3-1 record.
Sam Jacobs won more hit-outs to advantage (15) than any other ruckman on the weekend.
Adelaide coughed up more points from turnovers (91) than any other team in Round Four. In direct contrast, the Dogs only conceded 40 points from their turnovers.
Match statistics
Disposals
Adelaide – 365
Western Bulldogs – 401
Kicks
Adelaide – 222
Western Bulldogs – 225
Handballs
Adelaide – 143
Western Bulldogs – 176
Free Kicks
Adelaide – 12
Western Bulldogs – 12
Clearances
Adelaide – 43
Western Bulldogs – 34
Inside 50ms
Adelaide – 51
Western Bulldogs – 63
Contested Possessions
Adelaide – 142
Western Bulldogs – 143
Tackles
Adelaide – 52
Western Bulldogs – 71
Hit-outs
Adelaide – 48
Western Bulldogs – 29
Interchanges
Adelaide – 119
Western Bulldogs – 113
