Captain Taylor Walker says “silly” mistakes and ill-discipline cost the Crows in their disappointing 10-point loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Adelaide led by 24 points when Walker slotted his second goal early in the third quarter, but the Roos responded strongly to kick seven of the next 10 goals in a physical and high-scoring contest.

A goal to Shaun Higgins was immediately followed up by another to Lindsay Thomas, who received a free kick off the ball as tempers flared before play had restarted. Ben Brown’s second goal came courtesy of a 50-metre penalty against Rory Laird, who was penalised for holding onto the key forward for too long after he marked on the wing.

Leading by just two points, the Crows had an opportunity to launch another scoring attack late in the third quarter when Brad Crouch marked on the 50m arc. But the young midfielder was stripped of the ball after throwing his arm back and making contact with Roos defender Scott Thompson. A minute later, Matt Crouch was reported for rough conduct for a contest with Jarrad Waite.

Walker praised North Melbourne for showing more composure at crucial stages in the match.

“I thought we played some consistent footy over the quarters, but in the critical moments … we gave 50m penalties away and did some silly things,” Walker said on Channel 7’s Game Day on Sunday.

“We ended up losing by (fewer than) two goals and they’re probably the things that came back to hurt us. We weren’t able to get the job done. It’s disappointing to lose … but it’s only Round One.

“We’ll get back on the bike and get ready for the Showdown next week.”

The Crows still had chances to win the game in the final quarter.

Influential ruckman Todd Goldstein gave the Roos the lead for the first time since the opening term early in the last quarter, but Eddie Betts kicked a miraculous goal from the boundary to level the scores and a behind to Walker saw Adelaide reclaim the narrowest of leads.

However, the Crows couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities, managing only 1.5 to North Melbourne’s 3.4 for the term, as the Roos held on for a spirited win.

Walker, who finished with 2.3, accepted responsibility for his inaccuracy in front of goal and lauded teammate Josh Jenkins, who kicked five-goals straight.

“Missing goals from 15 metres out right in front … that doesn’t help,” Walker said of his easy miss in the first half..

”As a big fella, if you’ve got some speed like Josh Jenkins then you can cause some defenders headaches. I enjoy playing with Josh and he’s still growing into a consistent player … when he puts good games together week-to-week, it’s going to be scary for defenders.”

Jenkins and Walker, and Kangaroos tall trio Waite (three goals), Brown and Drew Petrie (two goals each) all had an impact on the contest, which was played at a frenetic pace under the closed roof. Goldstein was also instrumental, particularly late, in his 150^th AFL game.

Crows midfielder Rory Sloane tipped the talls to benefit from the reduced number of rotations.

“Teams are kicking more to contests, which is bringing the big men into the game. You’re seeing a lot more contested marks,” Sloane said.

“North’s big men were too strong in the last quarter. ‘Goldy’ (Goldstein) and some of the contests he won in the last quarter, he just stood up.

“We really needed to take those marks or get it (the ball) to ground at those times in the game.”