FOLLOWING a competitive and fast tempo first half from both sides, the Adelaide Crows showed their class in the second half to defeat Western Bulldogs by 42 points at Norwood Oval, continuing their undefeated winning streak in the AFL Women’s.

Despite both teams losing key players to serious injuries in the first half, both teams came out from the first bounce, applying the pressure down back, but the Crows showed their class in the second half to control the game on their terms.

The Crows controlled the majority of the first quarter with Caitlin Gould continuing her great form up forward and being a presence, while for the Bulldogs Millie Brown and Elisabeth Georgostathis played their role.

From the second quarter, the Crows opened up opportunities from half back and outside ball movement made it tough work for the Bulldogs, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless, whilst the Crows kicked two goals in the second to lead by 16 points.

In the third quarter, the likes of Stevie-Lee Thompson who worked hard, lifted her work rate, whilst Niamh Kelly also lifted in the midfield, with the Crows kicking five goals in the second half, stringing consistently to seal the victory.

Whilst the Bulldogs dominated the Rebound 50 (25-23), the Crows were consistent with their disposal efficiency (71 per cent) compared to the Bulldogs (59 per cent). The Crows took more marks inside 50 (14-3) as well as more marks overall (59-43).

Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Clarke spoke about the performance and the resilience from the Bulldogs and his side’s performance.

“I was absolutely rapt. I thought the pressure from the Dogs and the way they took the game on was at a high level. For us to withstand and stay really consistent across the four quarters, I was really happy.”

Clarke spoke about Ebony Marinoff, Anne Hatchard and Kelly and their impact on the game.

“Ebony and Anne have been strong players for a long period of time,” he said. “Niamh’s form across the season has been her breakout year. Last year she had a shoulder injury but her consistency across the season has been really strong.”

Clarke said his side’s 7-0 start to the season and staying on task for the last three rounds of the season.

“Our next two matches are top four sides, they’ll be what the finals look like,” he said. “The first step is to try and quality and we’ve done that and we’re rapt. Now we get to work and get better.”