Carlton has defeated Adelaide 12.11 (83) to 10.13 (73) at Marvel Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Blues led by as much as 34 points but they were forced to withstand the Crows' second-half fight-back.

And when Adelaide ate into the big lead in the third and fourth quarters, the Blues defended desperately to hang on for the victory.

On the back of three straight losses, things didn't start well for the Blues, trailing by 18 points close to quarter-time.

Conversely, Adelaide was generating most of its attack from stoppages, and after missing its first six shots at goal, Fogarty kicked two inside a minute to give the Crows the quarter-time lead.

Rory Laird continued his fine season with 33 disposals, while Paul Seedsman (24 and two goals) was also prolific.

The Blues managed to turn an early 18-point deficit into a 34-point lead as the half-time siren sounded.

But a James Rowe set-shot goal halted the home team's run and the long break took away their momentum.

It was a heated contest through the second half, with spot fires and all-in melees breaking out.

The Crows slowly but surely reduced the margin and a goal to Taylor Walker reduced the margin to just 10 points with eight minutes to play.

But that was as close as Adelaide got as Carlton held on.

CARLTON    2.0   10.4   12.6   12.11 (83)
ADELAIDE   2.6    5.6    8.9    10.13 (73)

GOALS
Carlton: Betts 3, McKay 2, Martin 2, Cripps, Dow, Owies, Saad, Williams
Adelaide: Walker 3, Fogarty 2, Seedsman 2, Keays, McHenry, Rowe