Hawthorn has kept its strong form against the Crows alive, marching to a 32-point victory at Adelaide Oval.
Many had questioned how the Hawks were going to fare without last year's Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell, but they answered that question with a 12.15 (87) to 7.13 (55) victory over the highly-rated Crows.
The Crows were in the game up until half time, trailing by just nine points, but they failed to kick a goal in the third quarter, and the Hawks pulled away to set up an unassailable lead.
The visitors' defenders kept Adelaide's imposing forward line out of the game – James Sicily and James Frawley were influential, Jarman Impey’s leap and athleticism provided important rebound while new captain Ben Stratton gave Eddie Betts (two goals) little chance to spark the team and the crowd of 50,180.
The home side found some run in the final term but there was little margin for errors and missed shots to Wayne Milera, Brodie Smith and Taylor Walker didn't help their cause.
Rory Sloane led from the front in his first appearance as co-captain and Matt Crouch collected 39 disposals.
Brad Crouch got through his first AFL game since the 2017 Grand Final, the 25-year-old kicking two goals and collecting 28 touches.
It was a big day for Chayce Jones, the No.9 draft pick, breaking into the Crows experienced line-up after an impressive JLT Series.
It took him nearly an hour to get a kick but when he did he made it count scoring the home side's fifth goal late in the second quarter.
The Crows lost defender Tom Doedee to a serious knee injury in the second quarter and utility Richard Douglas to an ankle injury in the final term.
Hawthorn has now won 11 of its past 12 against Don Pyke's men.
ADELAIDE 1.2 5.4 5.6 7.13 (55)
HAWTHORN 2.4 6.7 9.14 12.15 (87)
GOALS
Adelaide: B.Crouch 2, Betts 2, Sloane, M.Crouch, Jones
Hawthorn: Cousins 2, Worpel 2, McEvoy 2, O'Meara 2, Gunston, Smith, Shiels, Breust
BEST
Hawthorn: Worpel, Sicily, McEvoy, O'Meara, Gunston, Hardwick, Stratton
Adelaide: Sloane, M.Crouch, Keath, B.Crouch
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Shiels (finger)
Adelaide: Doedee (knee), Douglas (ankle)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Foot, Chamberlain, Gianfagna
Official crowd: 50,180 at Adelaide Oval
