Adelaide ended the Western Bulldogs’ finals campaign with a 22-point victory at Adelaide Oval, prevailing 14.6 (90) to 9.14 (68) after Luke Beveridge’s side threatened to produce another remarkable escape.
The Bulldogs, who had survived a wildcard final against Collingwood at the MCG the previous week, hit the front in the final quarter before Adelaide’s forward-line strength settled the elimination final in front of 51,370 spectators.
Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty all made important contributions for the Crows, while Izak Rankine delivered a spectacular goal to help halt the visitors’ momentum. Adelaide will now face Brisbane at the Gabba in the semi-final.
Western Bulldogs player ratings
Ed Richards — 7.5/10: Richards provided one of the Bulldogs’ most influential performances. He opened their scoring with a sharp finish, spent time monitoring Rankine around stoppages and finished with 27 disposals. His long-range running goal in the final term briefly levelled the contest.
Marcus Bontempelli — 7.5/10: The Bulldogs captain was central to the fightback, recording 27 touches and 10 clearances. He took time to find his rhythm but became increasingly prominent as the match progressed, including a late burst of run and carry from the midfield.
Bailey Williams — 7/10: Williams helped launch the Bulldogs’ counter-attacks and had 11 disposals for 248 metres gained before half-time. He was generally composed across half-back, although he was fortunate when Darcy Fogarty marked against him and missed a set shot.
Rory Lobb — 7/10: Lobb was moved into defence after struggling as a forward against Collingwood and initially handled Riley Thilthorpe effectively. His influence waned late, as Adelaide gained greater control through the middle of the ground.
Cooper Hynes — 6.5/10: Hynes made an energetic start, collecting 15 disposals and covering 318 metres by the main break. He continued to compete strongly in a game that repeatedly swung through the midfield.
Rhylee West — 6.5/10: West’s deployment as an additional midfielder worked well early. He had 12 disposals and five clearances in the first half, but his impact diminished as Adelaide regained control.
James O’Donnell — 6.5/10: O’Donnell performed strongly against Taylor Walker for long periods and produced several timely intercept marks. The veteran Adelaide forward, however, made his presence felt late in what was his final appearance at Adelaide Oval.
Joel Freijah — 6.5/10: Freijah’s growing midfield role was again evident, while his move forward produced a crucial second-quarter goal. A missed opportunity early in the final term proved costly when the Bulldogs were within reach of the Crows.
Will Lewis — 6.5/10: Lewis was quiet for much of the match before becoming a major factor in the final quarter. His two goals brought Adelaide’s advantage back to a single goal and gave the Bulldogs genuine hope of completing the comeback.
Aaron Naughton — 6.5/10: Naughton began positively and produced a difficult mark and goal in wet, windy conditions. He struck the post late in the third quarter and again early in the fourth, moments that prevented a more substantial contribution.
Buku Khamis — 6/10: Khamis battled evenly with Darcy Fogarty in defence before being sent forward as the Bulldogs searched for another scoring option. He had a chance to reduce the margin to five points but pulled his set shot wide.
Bailey Dale — 6.5/10: Dale was reliable under pressure but did not see enough of the ball to provide the attacking drive the Bulldogs required. His influence increased late without being enough to change the result.
Arthur Jones — 6/10: Jones made his opportunities count in the second quarter, kicking twice, including one goal after a strong lead into space. Adelaide’s defence restricted him after half-time.
Bailey Williams — 7/10: The half-back was among the Bulldogs’ better players in the opening half, using the ball decisively and helping the visitors move forward. He was unable to maintain the same influence as the Crows’ forwards began to find space.
Tim English — 3.5/10: English was one of the night’s disappointments. He finished with only 10 disposals, one mark and 19 hit-outs, and could not provide the physical presence the Bulldogs needed in the second half, particularly after moving forward to support Naughton.
Ryley Sanders — 3/10: Sanders struggled to become involved, recording only five disposals before half-time and 10 for the match. A third-quarter fumble led directly to an Izak Rankine goal and summed up an evening he will want to forget.
Cody Weightman — 3/10: Weightman’s effort was clear but his execution was inconsistent. He missed an early opportunity from the boundary and was unable to curb the influence of Josh Worrell, who was among Adelaide’s best players.
Lachie McNeil — 3/10: A late replacement after Michael Sellwood was concussed during the warm-up, McNeil managed only five disposals by three-quarter-time and had limited influence.
Ryan Gardner — 2/10: Gardner had just one disposal by half-time and three by the final break, making little impact as Adelaide took control.
The Bulldogs’ midfield leaders and late surge ensured Adelaide were forced to withstand sustained pressure, but the Crows’ greater forward-line firepower ultimately proved decisive. Their elimination ended a season in which Beveridge’s team repeatedly found ways to stay alive, only to fall short when the stakes were highest.
