The Western Bulldogs' flying start to the 2006 season has come to an abrupt halt, the visitors never recovering from a slow start at AAMI Stadium on Saturday as Adelaide claimed a crushing 77-point victory.
After disposing of Richmond, Melbourne, Essendon and Geelong in the opening month, the Bulldogs crashed back to earth as the Crows bolted to a 33-point lead by quarter-time and extended their lead at every change on the way to a 20.12 (132) to 7.13 (55) win.
The Crows exerted their dominance with a superb 6.5 to 1.2 first quarter with a stiff south-westerly wind, outscored the Bulldogs 2.4 to 1.4 in the second term and sealed the win with a powerful 12.3 to 5.7 second half.
Midfielder Scott Thompson (groin) also withdrew, and Hayden Skipworth and Jason Porplyzia were included and kicked one and a game-high three goals respectively.
The Bulldogs lost forward Robert Murphy (ankle) and defender Chris Grant (back) in the third quarter. Both were assisted from the field by trainers, but Murphy recovered to play in the final term.
Lindsay Gilbee, Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen, Scott West, Rohan Smith and Jordan McMahon were busy Dogs, but it was difficult to find consistent players or many who made a real impact in a side thumped by so much.
ADELAIDE: 6.5, 8.9, 14.10, 20.12 (132)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 1.2, 2.6, 5.11, 7.13 (55)
Western Bulldogs Goals : Cooney 2, Ray 2, Robbins, Johnson, Giansiracusa
Western Bulldogs: Gilbee, Cooney, Harris, Griffen, West, Smith
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