Veteran forward Taylor Walker slotted four goals, as Adelaide extended its perfect start to the season with a 36-point win against North Melbourne.

The Crows banked a 17.12 (114) to 12.6 (78) victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday to remain unbeaten after three games.

But after blowing St Kilda and Essendon away to open their season, the Crows had to dig deep to shake off a plucky Kangaroos outfit now with a 1-2 record.

North were within eight points midway through the third quarter but Adelaide kicked five of the next six goals in a defining burst.

The Roos ultimately couldn't contain Adelaide's attacking threats.

Walker snapped two of his goals after snaring the footy at ball-ups and Riley Thilthorpe kicked three majors.

Fellow forwards Darcy Fogarty, Ben Keays, Dan Curtin and substitute Sid Draper scored two goals each as the Crows topped 100 points for the third consecutive game.

Adelaide's triple club champion Rory Laird celebrated his 250th AFL game with 32 disposals and midfielders Izak Rankine (30 touches) and Jake Soligo (28, one goal) were superb.

Ex-GWS utility James Peatling (23 possessions) played his best game for his new club and Josh Worrell was outstanding in defence.

North showed great spirit to fight back after the Crows kicked the initial four goals to lead 25-3 despite losing Josh Rachele to injury.

The talented forward suffered a knee to the ribs in a marking contest and didn't return before being substituted at quarter-time.

Adelaide's early advantage disappeared as the Kangaroos kicked three goals in a four-minute burst, with Larkey converting twice to leave the visitors four points down at quarter-time.

The Crows ominously skipped 20 points clear in the second term and held an 18-point halftime buffer.

But the Roos again bounced back in the third quarter, sneaking within eight points when Curtis scored his second major.

Adelaide then responded to the danger in style with big guns Walker and Thilthorpe scoring as the hosts recorded five of the next six goals to break the Roos' resistance.

SCOREBOARD

ADELAIDE                       4.1    8.5    13.8    17.12 (114)
NORTH MELBOURNE      3.3    5.5     9.5     12.6 (78)

GOALS
Adelaide: Walker 4, Thilthorpe 3, Fogarty 2, Keays 2, Curtin 2, Draper 2, Neal-Bullen, Soligo
North Melbourne: Larkey 4, Konstanty 2, Curtis 2, Zurhaar, Stephens, Darling, Simpkin

BEST
Adelaide: Laird, Rankine, Soligo, Dawson, Keays
North Melbourne: Simpkin, Daniel, Larkey, Parker, Sheezel

INJURIES
Adelaide: Rachele (ribs)
North Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Sid Draper (replaced Josh Rachele at quarter-time)
North Melbourne: Dylan Stephens (replaced Robert Hansen jnr at three-quarter-time)