RELATED: Full match replay
A six goal to nil final term was not enough for North Melbourne to overcome Adelaide on Sunday, with Brad Scott’s team beaten by 10 points.
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The Crows were dominant in the opening three quarters, opening up a 50-point lead at three quarter-time, before North stormed home.
New recruit Shaun Higgins impressed, booting 3 goals to go with 17 disposals in his first game in the royal blue and white.
Higgins spent much of the game through the midfield, before moving forward late and almost helping his team to snatch victory.
Playing his first game following a foot injury, Majak Daw was influential in the ruck amassing 14 disposals, 7 marks and 24 hit-outs in a strong return.
Veteran Brent Harvey (18 disposals, 4 tackles) and Syd Barker Medallist Ben Cunnington (19 disposals) were also influential, while former Blue Jarrad Waite did plenty to suggest he’ll be a valuable addition in attack, booting 3 goals.
RELATED: Match photo gallery
But the damage was done early; Adelaide’s Eddie Betts was the dominant forward on the ground with four goals, with Brad Crouch (26 disposals) and Jarryd Lyons also among the Crows’ best.
A full match replay will be available on NMFC.com.au from Monday morning.
AFL.com.au's analysis (Harry Thring):
WHAT WE LEARNED
Adelaide: Although he played in defence when required for the Crows last year, James Podsiadly spent much of the game down back on Sunday, suggesting coach Phil Walsh might have a new role in mind for the forward. Around Podsiadly the Crows' defence appeared stronger than last year. While restricting North Melbourne to 11 goals for the day, Adelaide was able to generate plenty of attack from the back half.
North Melbourne: Jarrad Waite's presence up forward provided the Roos with a genuine target, and he will be a massive asset in attack if he can prove as effective in the season proper. Fellow recruit Shaun Higgins was even more impressive, collecting 17 touches and kicking three important goals. Kayne Turner put in a solid effort through the middle of the field, running with Rory Sloane at times and at least holding his own.
NEW FACES
Adelaide: Drafted ruckman/defender Reilly O'Brien put in an impressive first effort for the Crows, holding his own in the ruck with 14 hit-outs and taking several strong marks around the ground. Key forward Keenan Ramsey looks as though he'll soon cut an imposing figure and kicked a nice goal.
North Melbourne: Former Carlton forward Jarrad Waite started his career with a strong contested mark and goal and added another before the end of the game. Veteran Shaun Higgins' class is undoubted. Recruited from the Western Bulldogs as a free agent, his 17 possessions and two goals had him in the Kangas' best.
ADELAIDE 0.3.2 0.7.6 1.12.8 1.12.9 (90)
NORTH MELBOURNE 0.1.0 0.3.5 0.5.9 0.11.14 (80)
SUPERGOALS
Adelaide: van Berlo
North Melbourne: Nil
GOALS
Adelaide: Betts 4, Lynch, Ramsey, Kerridge, Walker, Cameron, Ellis-Yolmen, Martin, Crouch
North Melbourne: Waite, Higgins 3, Thomas, Petrie, Wells, Macmillan, Turner
BEST
Adelaide: Betts, Crouch, Lyons, Sloane, Podsiadly, Kerridge
North Melbourne: Harvey, Higgins, Turner, Daw, Wells, Macmillan
INJURIES
Adelaide: Lynch (concussion)
North Melbourne: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Cameron replaced Lynch in the first quarter; Wigg replaced Henderson in the third quarter.
North Melbourne: Harvey replaced Lynch in the third quarter.
Official crowd: 6,000 at Centenary Oval
