In an incredible finish, the Blues looked headed for their second straight draw when the scores were level at the 21-minute mark.
The Blues were the dominant team of the first quarter, taking 27-point lead into the first break of what looked set to be a one-sided match.
But something changed within the Crows at quarter-time. They emerged with a new determination, which was badly needed given their leading possession-getter at the first break (Brad Symes) had just six to his name.
Shaun McKernan and Kurt Tippett took strong marks and goaled, before Matthew Jaensch kicked a beauty on the run after an explosive line-breaking move from Graham Johncock.
Taylor Walker got in on the action and kicked his second at the 24-minute mark, which got the Crows within three points.
Just when it looked the Blues would go goalless in the second, their Walker took a screamer and kicked a six-pointer after the siren to leave the half-time margin at 10 points.
However, wayward kicking continued to hamper the Blues' forwards in the third while Tippett and Walker kept the Crows in the contest when their midfield got on top, which left the margin at the final change a manageable seven points.
Carlton 5.5 6.12 8.17 11.19 (85)
Adelaide 1.2 6.2 9.4 12.7 (79)
GOALS
Carlton: Walker 4, Waite 2, Ellard 2, Betts, Garlett, Russell,
Adelaide: Walker 4, Tippett 3, McKernan 2, Jaensch, Thompson, Vince
BEST
Carlton: Judd, Walker, Ellard, Carrazzo, Murphy, Robinson, Scotland, Curnow
Adelaide: Johncock, Dangerfield, van Berlo, Thompson, Knights, Walker, Tippett, Jacobs
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Chris Yarran subbed off for Aaron Joseph at the 19-minute mark of the third quarter
Adelaide: Matthew Jaensch subbed off for Brodie Martin at the 21-minute mark of the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Stewart, Wenn
Official crowd: 37,607 at Etihad Stadium
