Forward Tom McDonald slotted three goals as Melbourne outmuscled Adelaide for a precious 13-point win to rise to fifth on the AFL ladder.
The Demons twice recovered from 20 points down to triumph 13.12 (90) to 10.17 (77) on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval.
Melbourne crept within two premiership points of fourth-placed GWS after snapping Adelaide with five unanswered goals in 25 minutes in the third quarter.
The Crows, last year’s losing grand finalist, slip further from playoff reckoning: they’re 12th, two wins outside the eight.
Adelaide were overwhelmed by a Melbourne outfit again superbly marshalled by ruckman Max Gawn (66 hitouts), whose influence brought Demon midfielders Clayton Oliver (31 disposals) and Nathan Jones (23 disposals) into the game.
McDonald was opportunistic attack and Jordan Lewis, Jake Melksham and Bayley Fritsch each booted two goals.
Adelaide dominated early and, with Hugh Greenwood snapping one goal and having a hand in another, streeted to a 20-0 advantage.
The Crows lost in-form winger Paul Seedsman to a game-ending hamstring strain but recorded 17 to nine inside 50s in the first quarter.
But a dogged Melbourne kept pinching timely goals and by halftime were just seven points shy of Adelaide.
The Demons ruthlessly took command in the third quarter, booting seven goals to one.
The spree included five unanswered goals in 15 minutes as Melbourne created a 29-point three-quarter time advantage.
The Demons then held their nerve.
Adelaide kicked three goals and, with two minutes remaining, were seven points down only for Melbourne’s Alex Neal-Bulleen to kick the sealer.
Adelaide’s Wayne Milera (26 disposals) was outstanding in defence and teammates Rory Laird (25 touches) and Matt Crouch (32 disposals) were busy.
Greenwood and Eddie Betts kicked two goals each for Adelaide, who next play finals-bound Port Adelaide in a high-stakes Saturday Showdown.
Melbourne host Gold Coast next Sunday at the MCG.
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