Adelaide was once again at its imposing best on Sunday afternoon, eventually cruising past an improved Carlton and keeping its undefeated start to the season intact with a comfortable 39-point victory at Ikon Park.

The Crows were made to battle for long periods of their 7.9 (51) to 1.6 (12) win, but ultimately scrapped past both the increased effort of the Blues and some wasteful kicking of their own to grind out their fifth straight victory of the season.

The dynamic duo of Ebony Marinoff (31 disposals, 10 tackles) and Anne Hatchard (25 disposals, one goal) were predictably involved in everything, combining superbly through the midfield to emerge as the architects of Adelaide's victory.

Carlton's fight was spearheaded by youngster Mimi Hill (25 disposals, four tackles), who returned from a year-long stint on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury to spark the side's spirited first-half performance.

Stung by successive disappointing defeats heading into the match, the hosts produced a competitive opening but lacked a cutting edge in attack. It meant Carlton's beleaguered backline was again left to feel the heat when Adelaide eventually clicked into gear.

Hatchard struck early and Caitlin Gould late in the first half, with only some wayward kicking – particularly from superstar Erin Phillips, who kicked four behinds to half-time – stopping the Crows' lead from being greater than 16 points at the main break.

There were times when the visitors looked like they might be made to pay for their profligacy, especially when Georgia Gee eventually kicked the Blues' first goal thanks to a fine bullet pass from Darcy Vescio.

But a steadier from Ailish Considine calmed Adelaide nerves just before three-quarter time, before back-to-back goals from Danielle Ponter and Lisa Whiteley early in the final term eventually ended Carlton's resistance.

A mighty snap from the classy Eloise Jones and a second on the run from Considine put the finishing touches on the win – and added a much-needed boost in percentage – as the Crows stormed home.

CARLTON     0.2     0.3    1.3     1.6 (12)

ADELAIDE    1.2     2.7    3.9     7.9 (51)

GOALS
Carlton: Gee
Adelaide: Considine 2, Hatchard, Gould, Ponter, Whiteley, Jones

BEST
Carlton: Hill, Pound, Trudgeon, Egan, Prespakis
Adelaide: Marinoff, Hatchard, Jones, Phillips, McKinnon, Allan, Biddell

INJURIES
Carlton: Vickers (ankle)
Adelaide: Nil