AFL round 12: Adelaide record 15th consecutive loss after Western Bulldogs masterclass

It has now been 378 days since the Adelaide Crows recorded an AFL victory, and unfortunately that number seems destined to climb.

It has now been 378 days since the Adelaide Crows recorded an AFL victory, and unfortunately, that number looks set to climb even further.

The Adelaide Crows going an entire season without a win is no longer a lingering possibility — it’s a genuine threat.

The struggling club was utterly outclassed by the Western Bulldogs during Sunday’s encounter at Metricon Stadium, suffering a mammoth 16.15 (111) to 8.6 (54) defeat.

With only five games remaining in the 2020 premiership, Adelaide will be desperate to somehow muster a victory and avoid ending the season with zero points on the ladder.

Meanwhile, Matthew Nicks climbs to fourth spot on the list of most VFL/AFL games as coach without registering a victory.

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After slotting four majors in the first quarter, the Western Bulldogs showed no mercy and obliterated their hapless opponents on the Gold Coast. During a particularly one-sided period of the encounter, the Bulldogs outscored Adelaide 76-5.

AFL LIVE SCORES: Round 12 match centres

A handful of late goals in the fourth quarter ensured the Crows passed 50, but the result was already well beyond doubt — the Bulldogs comfortably trumped Adelaide in disposals, kicks and inside, almost doubling their tally for the latter.

Three-time premiership player Terry Wallace told AFL Nation: “The first 50 minutes of the game was adequate for Adelaide, then they dropped away completely. At least they are finishing off reasonably.”

Cricket journalist Daniel Brettig tweeted: “You’ve got to wonder whether the first winless VFL/AFL season since 1964, by one of the league’s richest clubs in a well and truly socialised competition, will be accepted as the Crows just being that bad.”

MasterChef star Adam Liaw cheekily posted: “Low percentage could hurt (Adelaide) later in the year if we’re in the frame for finals.”

Channel 7 reporter Mikey Nicholson tweeted: “The Sydney Swans apologised to the entire state of WA, it can’t be long until the Crows have to do the same to South Australia.”

Aaron Naughton celebrates his sixth goal of the match.

Key forward Aaron Naughton was the star performer for the Bulldogs, scoring six majors in a career-best performance.

“Naughton is playing on Daniel Talia, one of the hardest guys to get a kick on in the whole competition … And he’s just beating him with athleticism,” Wallace said.

Meanwhile, skipper Marcus Bontempelli and young gun Bailey Smith contributed 32 and 35 disposals respectively.

After securing their sixth victory of the season, the Western Bulldogs will climb to tenth spot on the ladder, while the Crows have set up camp in 18th.

Next weekend, the Bulldogs will take on Melbourne on the Gold Coast, while the Crows will host the Geelong Cats.