Adelaide fell to Hawthorn by 32 points at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
The Hawks burst out of the blocks to hold a commanding 31-point lead at the first change – a buffer that would prove too much to rein in - and eventually prevailed 13.8 (86) to 8.6 (54).
Adelaide launched a spirited fightback and didn't give up without a whimper.
They kicked the first three goals of the second half and held Hawthorn goalless in the third quarter to reach the final change with a pulse.
But when Jaeger O'Meara kicked Hawthorn's first goal of the second half 10 minutes into the fourth quarter – the Crows were kept at bay.
Adelaide's Rory Laird led the second-half charge, amassing a season-high 42 possessions and four clearances, while Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty kicked two goals apiece.
HAWTHORN 6.3 9.4 9.7 13.8 (86)
ADELAIDE 1.2 3.2 5.5 8.6 (54)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Lewis 5, Breust 2, Impey, Morrison, Nash, Reeves, Koschitzke, O’Meara
Adelaide: Thilthorpe 2, Fogarty 2, Walker, Keays, McHenry, Milera
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Liam Shiels (unused)
Adelaide: Ben Davis (unused)