Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge spoke to the media post game.
On the difference in the match:
It seems like one that got away because the Crows are a very good side, but we did a lot right
We just weren’t good enough tonight.
The Western Bulldogs were brave, they were willing, but just lacked that touch of class that the competition’s top-shelf contenders possess.
In a nutshell, the Bulldogs’ 22-point elimination final loss to Adelaide was a microcosm of their 2026 season.
Their evening couldn’t have begun more horribly when defender Michael Sellwood was concussed by a stray football during warm-ups.
Their backline was summarily rejigged, their midfield – piloted brilliantly by Ed Richards and Joel Freijah – had a huge say in proceedings, but it was ultimately their forward efficiency which cost them a semi-final berth.
Crows coach Matthew Nicks spoke to Kayo post game about the speculation about his future and made the case for his side’s bright prospects for this year and beyond.
On the applause from fans late in the game:
As a coach, it is hard in those moments, you’ve got to be mindful of not riding the rollercoaster as the highs are amazing and the lows can be really tough.
You don’t want to go to the peak until you are holding that cup up, you will see me let loose in three weeks if I’m holding that cup up, then you will really see me let loose.
Crwos coach Matthew Nicks had a simple response when asked about the last 10 minutes of the match.
“It was never in doubt,” Nicks told Seven with a laugh.
“I didn’t see that. I’m a bit emotional [seeing that]. I know they are the best supporters in the game and it is nice to see them behind what we are doing.
“We feel really good about what we have built and it doesn’t happen overnight. I thought our guys stood up tonight.”
Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli cut a disappointed figure post game after his side fell short in their elimination final against the Crows tonight.
Bontempelli praised his side for fighting back into the game early in the last term before the Crows kicked away at the end.
“It definitely does [hurt] mate,” Bontempelli told Seven.
“I thought we really challenged them at certain points. We clearly couldn’t make enough of our entries and they are a very good intercept marking team, if you allow them to do it, then they can repel off the back of it and, gee, they have some mercurial players who can really hurt you.
“I’m proud of the boys. We weren’t going all that well halfway through the year.
“We found some grit to get in this position and even in that game, I don’t think we looked too far off it despite the margin.”
Taylor Walker spoke to Kayo Sports post game after his last game at Adelaide Oval.
He will retire when Adelaide’s season comes to an end. He took a lap of the ground and received a guard of honour as he walked off with his three kids.
On the win tonight:
I’m a bit emotional knowing this is the last game here, but we look forward to three more games.
The AFL has released the times for next weekend’s semi-finals.
Fremantle vs Geelong Cats
Friday, 11 September
8:10pm AEST / 6:10pm AWST
Optus Stadium
Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows
Saturday, 12 September
7:35pm AEST
The Gabba
Both semi finals will be broadcast live nationally across the Seven Network and Foxtel and streamed via 7plus, Kayo and Binge.
Matthew Nicks received a standing ovation in the final minute of the last term after he was put on the big screen.
He’s taken several weeks of conjecture about his future, now his side will finish their home games with a rousing win.
The Crows will head to the Gabba next week to take on the Brisbane Lions in a semi-final while the Bulldogs season is over.
Walker came back on for the last 30 seconds in his last home games. This night has been one of the true believers at the Crows.
The final crowd was 51,370.
