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FWC: MEX v RSA live on SN ExtraThursday Fallout: “Complete” Crows blast dithering Dogs off Marvel
SEN • June 12th, 2026 9:28 am
That’s more like the Adelaide Crows that finished last year on top.
An attacking masterclass in a 57-point win (121-64) against a team whose defensive frailties have been a constant source of discussion in recent times.
While the Western Bulldogs had been much better in that area over the last five games, a few issues popped up again.
It doesn’t help the defence when your midfield gets whipped in the first quarter though. The Dogs lost clearances 7-13 and centre clearances 3-7. Sam Berry had six clearances and five from the centre alone for the Crows.
And wasn't Jordan Dawson good. Three snags in the first term (along with Riley Thilthorpe) to finish with 32 touches plus three goal assists. Three Brownlow votes, yes thanks.
Inside 50s went 19-13 the way of the Crows in the opening quarter which helped set up their remarkably efficient score of 9.2.
That was the scene setter for the massive win under the lid. It was one of the most powerful and impressive outings so far this season.
“One of the strongest performances we’ve seen from any side this year,” Kane Cornes said on SEN’s Fireball.
“It was a blistering first quarter.”
David King added: “That’s as powerful a quarter as I’ve seen for a little while.
“We’ve seen big scores against teams that are cellar dwellers, but to do it against a team that’s considered a top 8 or 10 team who were making a bit of a charge (is impressive).”
The Dogs were better at the coalface in the second quarter, winning clearances 13-6 and centre clearances 4-1, but the damage had been done.
The 40-point half-time deficit was never dented. No chance of a comeback like last week against Hawthorn.
They dithered, fumbled and allowed the Crows to do as they pleased at stages.
Do they just throw this one in the bin? Review, learn, reset and go again against St Kilda next Sunday. Bounce back loading.
It’s certainly not ideal to lose to a fellow top-six chaser by almost 10 goals. It’s a long way back from here if Luke Beveridge’s team seriously wants to contend.
That’s four defeats by 40 or more points mixed with early-season wins over Brisbane and Adelaide plus recent victories against Melbourne, Collingwood and the Hawks. It’s a strange form line.
Somehow Bevo needs to find a way to patch up the gaping chasm that sits between good and bad.
On the other hand, Matthew Nicks was remarkably happy after his side’s “complete” performance.
“That's the most complete quarter we've played, or at least complete game I'd say, definitely this year,” Nicks said.
“Really proud of the way they were able to focus on the task at hand, which wasn't an easy one.”
Next is the Demons at home and a win there could really set them up ahead of the business end of the season.
Andrew Slevison
