In wet, greasy conditions the Bulldogs’ superior size and the body strength, particularly in the midfield where Adam Spencer, Matt and Paul Stelzer and Michael Taylor proved too much for the young Bombers to handle.

This was even more evident when key Bomber midfielder Kym Bissett left the field after a heavy knock to the head which left him with a chipped tooth. He also suffered a calf injury after returning to the game.

In the first three quarters the home side could manage just three minor scores while Barossa piled on 14-4 to completely own the game.

Josh Moore was the visitors’ standout off the wing, playing almost in a sweeping role, cutting off repeated Bomber forays and driving the ball back into his forwards.

Bulldog coach Roger James topped the goal kickers’ list with three while Adam Spencer, Damien Lister and Michael Taylor all contributed a brace of goals along with five individual scorers to prove that they can cover the absence of gun centre half forward Heath Commane who was being given time to recover from a groin injury.

James was happy with the consistency of his team’s effort.

“We definitely needed to put together a four-quarter effort like that,” James said. “It’s been a problem for us for much of the year, but the way the guys kept at it, even when the downpour started was very pleasing.

“We kept the pressure on right till the end, they only got their first goal with five minutes to go.

“Fortunately we didn’t pick up any new injuries for a change which allows us to settle the team down a bit.”

For the Bombers, this game signalled probably the lowest ebb in their recent history.

“It was pretty embarrassing that’s for sure,” said Mark Cussadia, Bomber midfielder.

“We know we were off the pace a bit this year but we’ve been competitive most weeks but Barossa were really good and just didn’t let us into the game.”