The Western Bulldogs have extended Adelaide’s AFL losing run to 15 matches with a 57-point demolition at Metricon Stadium.
The 10th-placed Bulldogs pulled away from the winless Crows in a eight-goal second-half, turning a 23-point lead at the main break into a 16.15 (111) to 8.6 (54) win on Sunday.
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli backed up his 30-disposal display against Brisbane with a best on ground performance, picking up 33 touches and kicking two goals.
Bontempelli’s influence was evident from the start of game with six first-quarter clearances, while Adelaide in comparison had five in total for the term.
The midfielder ended the match with a career-high 12 clearances, with Adelaide ending on 19 in total.
Aaron Naughton kicked a career-high six goals for the Bulldogs, including a final quarter effort which came after a strong pack mark.
Ben Cavarra was the game’s other multiple goalkicker with two majors.
Former Bulldogs vice-captain Lachie Hunter marked his return after four rounds out due to personal issues in fine style, working hard with 29 disposals and kicking a third quarter goal.
Bailey Smith led the disposals tally for the game with 37 touches, his run through midfield just too hot for the Crows to handle.
After speculation earlier in the week Hunter was a trade target for Brisbane, the 25-year-old clutched at his jersey after his goal in a seemingly public display of his commitment to the Bulldogs.
There was a highlight reel moment for Easton Wood in the second quarter when he took a ride on the back of Adelaide’s Fischer McAsey to snare a sensational mark on the wing.
The loss leaves Adelaide 0-12 and with just five matches left to avoid a winless season, with Matthew Nicks still to record a victory as an AFL coach.
With Tom Doedee and Tom Lynch already sidelined with hamstring injuries, Andrew McPherson injured his hamstring in the second quarter and spent the second half sitting on the bench for the Crows.
The Bulldogs suffered a late injury concern with ruckman Tim English rolling his left ankle in the game’s dying minutes.
The Bulldogs take on Melbourne on Saturday while Adelaide have a daunting clash with in-form Geelong next Sunday.
