The Western Bulldogs fell to their fourth defeat in six games to start 2022, losing to Adelaide by a solitary point in Ballarat on Saturday.
The Bulldogs were dominated in the air at both ends of the ground, allowing the Crows to take 26 intercept marks and 16 marks inside forward 50.
Dogs coach Luke Beveridge conceded the visitors “strangled” their ball movement in tricky conditions at Mars Stadium.
Kane Cornes says the Bulldogs are “in a world of hurt” after their shock 62-63 loss to Adelaide.
“This is the biggest story of the year for me,” Cornes told AFL Media’s The Round So Far.
“Forget Port Adelaide, forget Essendon – the Western Bulldogs played in a Grand Final last year. Since half-time of the Grand Final, how badly have things gone for the Western Bulldogs.
“I’ve heard whinging about teams singing their songs, I’ve seen Luke Beveridge blow up in press conferences, I’ve seen their players be uncompetitive losing contested footy five out of the six games, I’ve seen their midfielders chasing kicks but not chasing the opposition when they’ve got it.
“They’re in a world of hurt. They were kept to 43 entries today (Saturday) and nine goals against a side that was bottom four last year.”
Cornes continued: “I think there’s more going on at that footy club that needs to be looked into – and it’s not just on-field, there’s some stuff clearly that’s been in the spotlight off-field.
“They’re a big story and probably the biggest disappointment through the first six weeks.”
The Dogs are currently without a host of players including Josh Bruce (knee), Lachie Hunter (personal leave), Jason Johannisen (calf), Alex Keath (hamstring), Toby McLean (knee), Mitch Wallis (personal reasons), Laith Vandermeer (hamstring) and Mitch Hannan (illness)
They next play Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, May 1.