Roar Guru
The Western Bulldogs have taken an entertaining win over the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night, getting some revenge for their elimination final loss in 2015.
REPORT: BULLDOGS HOLD OFF CROWS
Jake Stringer returned to form with four goals for the Dogs while Josh Jenkins kicked eight for the Crows. Marcus Bontempelli had 30 touches for the Dogs, and kicked the sealer.
Final score
Western Bulldogs 18.15.123
Adelaide 17.6.108
Two sides on the rise meet when the Western Bulldogs take on the Adelaide Crows at Ethiad Stadium. Join The Roar for Saturday night football action from 7:40pm AEST.
The last time these sides played was probably the match of the final series. The Crows won that game by 7 points in a high-scoring game at the MCG. It will also be remembered for a subsequent AFL investigation for alleged sharing match sensitive information between the Talia brothers Michael and Daniel. Although cleared, Michael Talia was traded from the Western Bulldogs to the Sydney Swans.
Both these sides have four wins and two losses for the season to date. The Crows are boasting the best offence and the Western Bulldogs the best defence.
Last round, the Crows returned to the winners circle defeating the Fremantle Dockers by 33 points in what was their lowest score for the season and quite an arm wrestle. Rory Sloane was fantastic with 31 possessions and Eddie Betts was his usual dangerous self with 4 goals.
The Western Bulldogs will be looking to atone for their loss to North Melbourne by 16 points in what was a very low-scoring encounter and where the Bulldogs use of the football was well down.
The Western Bulldogs have made two changes to their team from last week. Impressive midfielder Koby Stevens is out with an abdominal injury and Lin Jong has been omitted.
Rising star nominee Caleb Daniel, returns after overcoming a calf injury and Jack Redpath has been included for his first senior game of the season after having surgery during the offseason.
Lachie Hunter is playing after proving he has recovered from concussion after a crude tackle from North Melbourne’s Lindsay Thomas last week. Hunter played a huge game last week amassing 44 possessions.
Adelaide have also made the two changes. Improved defender Rory Laird is out for 2-3 weeks with a toe injury and Jarryd Lyons has been unlucky to be omitted. Returning are Ricky Henderson and Brad Crouch who performed strongly last week for the Crow’s SANFL side.
The pressure is on Jake Stringer after some recent below-par performances. Expect him to be closely watched by Daniel Talia. After last week’s loss, questions are being raised whether the Bulldogs injury-ravaged defence can cover the likes of Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker.
Prediction
The best defence has a history of beating the best offence and after the extra day break and being at home, expecting the Bulldogs to be a little too good in what should be an excellent game.
Western Bulldogs by 8 points.
Join The Roar from 7:40pm (AEDT) as we bring you all the action from this highly-anticipated Round 7 match.