Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Crows: AFL live scores, blog

The Western Bulldogs look to seal their position for September at Mars Stadium as they come up against a similarly wrought Adelaide Crows on Sunday. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:10pm (AEST).

Over the last fortnight, the Bulldogs have recorded substantial margins against two top-eight sides – defeating Essendon 137-33 in Round 21 and GWS 126-65 in Round 22.

If the results fall their way, the Bulldogs should enter the finals with on of the hottest midfield in the league, with Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli and Josh Dunkley boasting top numbers.

Since Round 18, Macrae has recorded 132, 127, 151, 132 and 107 AFL Fantasy Points – with his highest numbers coming from losing games.

Last week, Dunkley stood up against one of the league’s best midfields to record 150 AFL Fantasy Points – recording over 100 Fantasy Points in nine of his last 10 games, including three over 150.

Brownlow favourite Marcus Bontempelli may be the top-eight’s biggest threat in the finals series – leading the competition in AFL Coaches votes on 93, ahead of Tim Kelly (86), Nat Fyfe (83) and Patrick Cripps (78).

In their last two meetings, the Crows got the better of the Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval – defeating them 63-26 and 104-45. Though at home, the Bulldogs have won two of their last three – losing one 102-109 in 2015.

Ahead of this week’s clash, the Bulldogs have made two changes – with Rhylee West and Tim English coming in for Jackson Trengrove and Tory Dickson.

Despite losing four of their last five, the Adelaide Crows remain a chance for finals.

Last week, the Crows copped a shellacking at home against Collingwood – going down 48-114.

Darcy Fogarty was a rare positive, kicking three goals alongside Brodie Smith’s 119 AFL Fantasy Points.

In the week prior, the Crows managed to compete with the reigning premiers at Optus Stadium – losing 90-80.

The Crouch brothers were at their best – with Matt amassing 43 disposals with 147 AFL Fantasy Points, and Brad impressing with 35 disposals and a goal.

Across 18 games, Matt Crouch has averaged 31.8 disposals at 70 per cent efficiency, while Brad follows on 30.5 disposals, five clearances and five tackles across 21 games.

In terms of goalkicking, Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts rank 10th and 11th with 38 and 37 goals respectively despite patches of poor form.

This week, Alex Keath, Hugh Greenwood and Riley Knight re-join the side in place of Kyle Hartigan, Lachlan Murphy and Reilly O’Brien.

If intent on playing finals, the Crows will need a comprehensive victory over the Bulldogs to surpass other possible winners in Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.

Prediction
The Bulldogs have already thrashed two top-eight sides in the last fortnight, so there’s no reason to say they will not do the same to Adelaide.

Bulldogs by 49 points.

First bounce: 1:10pm (AEST)
Venue: Mars Stadium, Ballarat
Watch: Fox Footy, AFL Live Pass, Kayo Sports

Western Bulldogs
B: T. Duryea, Le. Young, H. Crozier
HB: J. Johannisen, Z. Cordy, E. Wood
C: L. Hunter, M. Bontempelli, E. Richards
HF: B. Dale, J. Schache, S. Lloyd
F: B. Smith, A. Naughton, T. McLean
FOLL: T. English, J. Dunkley, J. Macrae
I/C: M. Suckling, R. West, P. Lipinski, W. Hayes
EMG: J.Trengove, C.Porter, B.Williams, R.Smith

Adelaide Crows
B: R. Laird, D. Talia, L. Brown
HB: B. Smith, J. Kelly, W. Milera
C: P. Seedsman, B. Crouch, D. Mackay
HF: C. Jones, T. Walker, T. Lynch
F: E. Betts, D. Fogarty, R. Douglas
FOLL: S. Jacobs, M. Crouch, R. Sloane
I/C: H. Greenwood, R. Knight, B. Gibbs, A. Keath
EMG: A.Otten, K.Hartigan, R.O’Brien, L.Murphy