ADELAIDE 6.5 (41) D WESTERN BULLDOGS 5.4 (34)

Saturday at Norwood Oval

With two losses on the board, reigning premiers Adelaide were counting on a win to cling to hopes of Grand Final appearance. The return of captain and last seasons best and fairest Erin Phillips proved more than just an emotional lift, scoring four goals and snatching the win.

The Dogs led at every stage, except the one that mattered. They got off to a flying start with swift goals by last week’s stars Emma Kearney and Aisling Utri. As the margin stretched to two goals twice in the first half, Phillips was composed and scored to keep the Crows within range.

After harsh criticism in local media, Adelaide’s Sarah Perkins lifted, with the return of Phillips allowing her more space in the midfield. Ebony Marinoff made an incredible 15 tackles, while Chelsea Randall racked up 24 disposals.

Unlucky Bulldogs captain Katie Brennan went down with an ankle injury in the final minutes after scoring two goals, with scans on Monday showing minor ligament damage. Injuries to her and Hannah Scott allowed Adelaide to pull ahead by a point, Jenna McCormick sealing it with a goal after the siren.