Playing as a tall midfielder, Crows' big man Matthew Robran was best on ground, thrilling the 20,000 strong crowd, as the home side won 11.11.77 to 9.5.59.
With the visitors employing flooding tactics the teams managed only seven goals between them in the first half, but the Crows eventually ended the Bulldogs' semi-final hopes, booting eight goals in the second half, thanks to some great work from Ladhams and rookie full-forward Adam Richardson, who booted three goals.
The 20-year-old Ladhams was on Essendon's list for the past two years but never managed to break into the senior side and was picked up by the Crows in the pre-season draft.
Also in his first season at Adelaide, former Kangaroo Evan Hewitt was impressive, outclassing Bulldogs' defender Craig Ellis, who was playing his first match since badly injuring a knee midway through last season.
The Bulldogs won their share of the ball in the midfield, with Jose Romero in top form, and Paul Dimmatina, Scott West, Simon Cox and Brad Johnson all getting plenty of touches.
For the Crows, skipper Mark Ricciuto and Andrew McLeod showed plenty of class in the midfield and Darren Jarman starring in an unusual role on a half-back flank, Adelaide showing it should threaten the top eight after two disappointing seasons following back-to-back premierships in 1997 and '98.
Bulldogs skipper Chris Grant played at both ends of the ground but struggled to have a great impact on the match.
MATCH DETAILS:
ADELAIDE: 1.3, 3.6, 6.8, 11.11 (77)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 0.1, 4.2, 5.4, 9.5 (59)
Goals: Adelaide: C Ladhams 4, A Richardson 3, M Ricciuto 2, D Jarman, M Robran. Western Bulldogs: C Grant 2, B Johnson 2, B Fuller 2, P Hudson, P Wiggins, J Romero.
Best: Adelaide: M Robran, M Ricciuto, D Jarman, C Ladhams, T Edwards, A McLeod, J Crowell. Western Bulldogs: J Romero, B Johnson, S West, P Dimmatina, S Cox.
Umpires: M Avon, R Fox, K Nicholls.
Crowd: 20,000 at Football Park
