The Bulldogs are facing a challenging situation in the match. Sam Berry delivers a long pass into the forward zone where Jordan Dawson positions himself at the back of a significant marking contest. He retrieves the ball and quickly passes it to Luke Pedlar, who successfully converts for his second goal of the evening.
The Crows have demonstrated their effectiveness from stoppages, scoring 6.0 to the Bulldogs’ 2.0 for the match, and have four players contributing multiple goals.
The Bulldogs are making a comeback! Joel Freijah is actively involved as he forces a turnover at half forward and passes the ball to Ed Richards. Richards nearly crosses the 15-meter limit but manages to take a running shot, marking his 11th goal of the season.
It seems that the momentum is shifting slightly in favor of the Bulldogs, who have scored four out of the last five goals. Following a forward 50 stoppage, Rhylee West connects with Joel Freijah, who then finds Cooper Hynes. Hynes takes his shot from 45 meters out, and it goes through!
Darcy Fogarty, known for his impressive set-shot skills, demonstrates his talent once again. However, the Bulldogs feel aggrieved as Jake Soligo appears to evade a holding the ball decision on the wing. Jordan Dawson capitalizes on the loose ball and passes to Zac Taylor, who locates Fogarty inside the 50. This goal dampens the Bulldogs’ resurgence.
In a moment of relief for the Bulldogs, Aaron Naughton drops an easy mark inside 50, but ARty Jones comes to the rescue. Jones executes a superb tackle on Jake Soligo following the dropped mark, returning to convert the set shot.
The Bulldogs have now scored two in a row. After a slow start from their midfield last week, could history be repeating itself? Rory Lobb is tasked with marking Riley Thilthorpe at the start of the second quarter, a necessary adjustment as Thilthorpe had been overpowering James O’Donnell.
Jordan Dawson’s first quarter performance ranks as the third highest-rated in recorded history, according to Fox Footy, marking a remarkable achievement. Thilthorpe had a standout first quarter, scoring three goals at Docklands Stadium.
Joel Freijah manages to snap a goal with mere seconds left, providing the Bulldogs with some momentum as they head into the first break. The Bulldogs forwards applied excellent pressure, forcing a hurried kick from the Crows’ defensive line. An ARC review on Freijah’s goal ultimately confirms its validity, which would have been a significant blow to the Crows had it been disallowed.
The Crows, having experienced a stellar first quarter, need every advantage they can get. Captain Jordan Dawson was instrumental, scoring three of Adelaide’s nine goals in the opening term and recording eight disposals. The Crows dominated across the field, leading in disposals 118-70, inside 50s 17-13, and clearances 12-8.
Their relentless pressure is evident, as they lead the tackle count 19-13 and have laid four tackles within the forward 50. James Peatling stands out with 13 disposals, while Ryley Sanders leads the Bulldogs with eight touches, predominantly handballs.
Jordan Dawson once again breaks free from a stoppage on the wing, delivering the ball perfectly to Riley Thilthorpe, who scores his third goal with his third kick. Dawson is clearly overpowering Matt Kennedy, prompting a possible tactical adjustment from the Bulldogs.
With eight disposals, five score involvements, and two clearances, Dawson’s first quarter has been nothing short of sensational. He continues to dominate at Docklands Stadium. A turnover from the Bulldogs results in Matt Kennedy dropping a mark, allowing Dawson to seize the opportunity and score his third goal from inside the center square.
The Crows have surged to a remarkable 41-point lead, putting significant pressure on the Bulldogs early in the game. Josh Rachele is in the thick of the action again, delivering a left-footed pass into the forward zone that finds Luke Pedlar, who successfully converts from a challenging angle.
With seven goals from just ten inside 50 entries, the Crows are putting on a dominant display. Rachele quickly nets his second goal, capitalizing on a loose ball inside 50. The Bulldogs’ defense appears rattled, prompting commentary from David King on Fox Footy about their need for support.
Another inside 50 entry yields yet another goal for Adelaide as Josh Worrell intercepts a kick attempt from Cooper Hynes and delivers the ball inside 50, where Rachele expertly snaps it home. ARty Jones also shines with a brilliant finish. Connor Budarick makes significant ground running off halfback to set up this goal.
Jones, receiving a handball while tight in the pocket, executes a perfect banana kick despite the difficulty of the angle. Riley Thilthorpe is proving to be a consistent threat, finding himself isolated for another one-on-one opportunity, this time in the square, where he easily outmaneuvers James O’Donnell to take a mark.
Darcy Fogarty makes a precise kick into the forward zone with his non-preferred foot, and the Crows have converted four goals from five inside 50 entries. Following another center clearance, Worrell delivers the ball to his captain, who takes a more challenging set shot but delivers yet again.
With an advantageous 17-point lead established just eight minutes into the quarter, it’s worth noting that the Crows have won their last four matches at Docklands. Dawson secures a contested mark inside 50, following strong forward pressure from the Crows, and he confidently converts the set shot from directly in front.
