Edwards finished with 32 possessions and two goals in a near best-on-ground performance, as the depleted Crows notched up just their third win of the season 16.9 (105) to 12.10 (82).
The Crows led by 23 points at half time, but a Matthew Pavlich-led revival saw Freo close to within six points early in the final quarter.
Adelaide, which lost Andrew McLeod and Phil Davis to injury in the first half, was expected to tire in the latter stages of the game, but crucial goals to youngsters Taylor Walker and Patrick Dangerfield saw the home side hold on for a famous win.
Walker booted four goals in an impressive four-quarter display, while Edwards, Dangerfield and tough midfielder Scott Thompson finished with two each.
Emerging midfielder Rory Sloane, who replaced Edwards in the 22 last weekend, finished with 20 possessions and six inside 50's, while Scott Thompson (34 disposals), Simon Goodwin (30 disposals) and Graham Johncock (26 disposals) were also instrumental.
Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow continued his world-beating debut season with 32 possessions and three goals, while Stephen Hill (24 possessions and two goals), Pavlich (three goals) and ruckman Aaron Sandilands (37 hit-outs and a goal) also won their positions.
Adelaide 6.1 11.3 12.6 16.9 (105)
Fremantle 5.3 7.4 10.6 12.10 (82)
GOALS
Adelaide: Walker 4, Edwards 2, Dangerfield 2, Thompson 2, McLeod, Petrenko, Johncock, Tippett, Goodwin, Porplyzia
Fremantle: Pavlich 3, Barlow 3, Hill 2, Sandilands, Mayne, van Berlo, Fyfe
BEST
Adelaide: Johncock, Thompson, Edwards, Mackay, Dangerfield, Sloane, Goodwin, Douglas, Walker
Fremantle: Barlow, Sandilands, Hill, Mundy, Fyfe
INJURIES
Adelaide: Davis (concussion), McLeod (knee)
Fremantle: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Avon, McInerney, Mollison
Official crowd: 35,605 at AAMI Stadium
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
