Adelaide’s forward-line power ended the Western Bulldogs’ spirited finals charge as the Crows recovered from a tense fourth-quarter scare to win their elimination final 14.6 (90) to 9.14 (68) at Adelaide Oval.
The Bulldogs, fresh from their wildcard victory over Collingwood at the MCG, led by a point during the final term after Ed Richards’ second goal levelled the contest. But Adelaide responded with the composure and attacking quality that had threatened to decide the match all evening.
Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty all found important goals, while Izak Rankine produced a spectacular finish to help the Crows regain control. Josh Rachele was also decisive around goal, finishing with three majors.
Adelaide’s defence was led superbly by Josh Worrell, who combined 34 disposals with 19 intercept possessions in a commanding display. Wayne Milera was equally assured with 27 disposals at perfect efficiency, while Rankine added 34 touches and two goals in a dynamic midfield performance.
The Bulldogs had more of the ball in the contest, winning the centre clearances 17-7 and recording 61 inside-50s to Adelaide’s 49. Their inability to convert that advantage into a winning score ultimately proved costly.
Western Bulldogs player ratings
Marcus Bontempelli again carried much of the Bulldogs’ burden, collecting 27 disposals and 10 clearances. The captain was quiet early but gradually imposed himself, moving forward before returning to the midfield in the final term to provide drive when his side needed it most.
Richards was one of the Bulldogs’ most influential players. He opened their scoring, kept a close watch on Rankine at stoppages and produced a superb running goal in the last quarter to bring the scores level. He finished with 27 disposals and two goals.
Rhylee West made an impact after being pushed into the midfield, winning 12 disposals and five clearances before fading after half-time. Cooper Hynes also worked tirelessly, while Joel Freijah and Bailey Williams provided useful contributions across the ground.
Will Lewis gave the Bulldogs genuine hope with two final-term goals, reducing the margin to a single goal. Arthur Jones had earlier supplied two important majors, although both players struggled to maintain their influence as Adelaide’s pressure increased.
Aaron Naughton began positively, taking a difficult mark and converting in wet and windy conditions. But a late third-quarter shot that struck the post, followed by another miss early in the final term, blunted what had been a promising performance.
There were more difficult nights for Ryley Sanders and Tim English. Sanders managed only 10 disposals and was punished after dropping the ball early in the third quarter, allowing Rankine to score. English, who had been so important against Collingwood, finished with 10 disposals, one mark and 19 hit-outs without providing the physical presence the Bulldogs required after half-time.
Rory Lobb was excellent in defence against Thilthorpe for much of the match before the Adelaide forward began to influence the contest late. James O’Donnell also made several early interventions while matched against Walker, but the veteran Crow eventually found a way to break free.
The Bulldogs were further disrupted before the opening bounce when Michael Sellwood was concussed during the warm-up and replaced by Lachie McNeil. McNeil had little opportunity to settle, finishing with only five disposals, while Ryan Gardner was restricted to three.
Luke Beveridge’s side refused to surrender and repeatedly threatened to overturn the deficit. But Adelaide’s ability to turn limited opportunities into goals, allied to the influence of Rankine, Rachele and the Crows’ tall forwards, proved decisive as the Bulldogs’ season came to an end.
