Despite a huge effort from captain Marcus Bontempelli and a five-goal display from key forward Aaron Naughton, the Western Bulldogs came up short against Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In a shootout the Crows prevailed by 16.13 (109) to 15.8 (98), with late Bulldogs goals putting a better gloss on the scoreboard for the home side.

The Bulldogs didn't give up, kicking five goals to two in the last term, but fell too far behind when the Crows held a game-high lead of 32 points early in the final quarter.

Bontempelli was mighty with a game-high 37 possessions, with his counterpart Jordan Dawson also outstanding in the midfield.

ROUND 18 HIGHLIGHTS

  • 17:18

    Behind the scenes | Jasmyn Smith's MC Matchday

    Follow Jas as she co-hosts the Dogs v Crows game.

    AFLW
    Video
  • 06:38

    Luke Beveridge | Post Match (R18)

    Bevo speaks to the media following the round 18 loss to Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

    AFL
    Video
  • 02:39
    Exclusive
    Exclusive

    Coaches' Brief | Round 18

    Forwards Coach Matt Spangher reflects on the loss to Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

    AFL
    Video
  • 03:10

    Ed Richards | "Made us look stupid"

    Ed Richards reflects on the round 18 clash with Adelaide.

    AFL
    Video
  • 08:15

    AFL R18 | Match Highlights

    The Bulldogs and Crows clash in round 18 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:45

    AFL R18 | Darcy defies logic

    Sam Darcy shows his freakish ability yet again with a superb major against the Crows.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:37

    AFL R18 | Richards runs riot with back-to-back stunners

    Ed Richards shows his tremendous class with two ridiculous majors in short time.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:50

    AFL R18 | Naughton nets three early majors

    Aaron Naughton continues his hot form with a hat-trick of goals in no time.

    AFL
    Video
  • 11:53

    Luke Beveridge | "Real chance to influence our ladder position"

    Bevo speaks to the media ahead of the round 18 clash with Adelaide.

    AFL
    Video
  • 06:20

    Throwback | Johnno's bag of five in game 300

    Brad Johnson kicks 5 second half goals to help seal victory in his 300th game.

    AFL
    Video

The first half was a tale of key forwards - Naughton kicked all of the Bulldogs' three goals in the first term and added his fourth in the second.

Riley Thilthorpe made life tough for the Bulldogs defence with four goals in the second quarter on his way to a career-high bag of six.

The Crows slowly pulled clear of the Bulldogs, leading by 19 at the main break, then 27 points at the final change.

Match Details

WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.1 7.3 10.6 15.8 (98)
ADELAIDE 4.2 10.4 14.9 16.13 (109)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 5, Richards 2, Darcy 2, Hynes, Davidson, Sanders, West, Bramble, O’Donnell
Adelaide Crows: Thilthorpe 6, Fogarty 3, Dawson 2, Walker 2, Curtin, Cumming, Rankine

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Naughton, Richards
Adelaide Crows: Dawson, Thilthorpe, Curtin, Laird, O’Brien

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Adelaide Crows: Butts (chest), Cook (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Caleb Poulter (replaced Cooper Hynes in the third quarter)
Adelaide Crows: Chayce Jones (replaced Jordan Butts in the second quarter)

Crowd: 41,198 at Marvel Stadium