Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Crows
Sunday 27 April 2014, 1:10pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Head-to-head:

Round 21, 2103: Western Bulldogs 20. 11 (131) defeated Adelaide Crows 17. 12 (114), Etihad Stadium
Round 4, 2013: Adelaide Crows 12. 8 (80) defeated Western Bulldogs 4. 4 (28), AAMI Stadium
Round 2, 2012: Adelaide Crows 11. 16 (82) defeated Western Bulldogs 9. 10 (64), AAMI Stadium
Round 13, 2011: Western Bulldogs 14.16 (100) defeated Adelaide Crows 10. 10 (70), Etihad Stadium
Round 19, 2010:  Adelaide Crows 7. 11 (53) defeated by Western Bulldogs 8. 13 (61), AAMI Stadium

Last time they met:

  • The Bulldogs had 21 marks inside 50 to Adelaide’s nine, influencing the home side’s ability to score. Tom Campbell and Daniel Giansiracusa combined with eight marks in the Bulldogs forward line for a return of six goals
  • Tory Dickson kicked six majors, while Crows Andy Otten, Tom Lynch and Ian Callinan kicked three apiece
  • 30 disposals at 80% efficiency helped Tom Liberatore claim the three Brownlow votes in round 21, complemented by eight clearances, five rebound 50s, five tackles and four inside 50s
  • Despite falling to the Bulldogs, the Crows led in clearances (WB 35, AC 45) and inside 50s (47, 53)

Recent form:

Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs will want to set the tone early against Adelaide as they search for their third win of the season. Winning clearances and piling on the defensive pressure will be two key performance indicators after the Bulldogs underperformed in those areas last week against Carlton. In all but one game this season the Bulldogs have been within reach of the four points early in the fourth quarter and another win will consolidate they are heading in the right direction.

Adelaide Crows
A tough initiation into season 2014 - with consecutive games against Geelong (1st), Port Adelaide (2nd) and Sydney (13th) - saw the Crows wait until round four to secure their first win. Strong performances against St Kilda and the GWS Giants over the past fortnight, however, has seen a lift in confidence. Adelaide will lose midfielder Richard Douglas through suspension this week but round five Rising Star nominee Matt Crouch is showing he can carry more responsibility than his three games experience suggests. The Crows are also shooting for their third win of the season, with Sunday’s clash shaping up to be a heated battle.

Key match ups and gamebreakers:

  • Patrick Dangerfield is in scintillating form after a 33 disposal, five goal performance against GWS Giants last week but he isn’t the only Crows midfielder of concern. Scott Thompson has a strong record against the Bulldogs, finishing with a game-high possession count in three of the last five outings between the two sides.  The Bulldogs midfield contingent also boasts some dangerous players. Attempting to shake a heavy tag in recent weeks, Liberatore will be looking to assert his influence around the stoppages again against the Crows. Ryan Griffen’s return to form last week should see him attract some attention off his younger teammate
  • Stewart Crameri is showing he is more than capable of producing multiple goals and is becoming a reliable member in the Bulldogs forward line. Combined with Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa and a range of rotating forwards the Dogs are proving they have multiple avenues to goal.
  • The Crows on average take 20 more marks than their direct opponent each week, which lends itself to their high kicking style of play. If the Bulldogs can execute their defensive brand of football then they will  restrict Adelaide’s ball movement and force them into turnovers.
  • They may play at opposite ends of the ground but Sunday’s clash could see Michael Talia face his older brother Daniel for the first time in the AFL. The two key defenders have not faced off as yet since Michael was drafted in 2011 and both featured in round five for their respective teams