ADELAIDE has survived a spirited challenge from Melbourne in home territory. 

At one point it looked like the Crows could be in for a rare home-ground loss, with the Dees holding strong for patches of the match. However, Adelaide got its game in order on the way to the 13.12 (90) to 11.11 (77) win.

Melbourne dominated possession in the first quarter but couldn't capitalise, kicking 1.6 and trailing at the first break.

After another behind to start the second quarter the Demons suddenly found their line, kicking the next five goals straight to establish a 28-point lead.

The burst seemed to be the slap in the face Adelaide needed, responding with the next eight scoring shots to be back inside a goal at half-time and one point ahead within 30 seconds of play resuming.

By three-quarter time the home team held a 15-point lead and all the momentum, but Melbourne refused to go away.

Both teams had their moments in the final quarter before a unique, if controversial, goal from Ben Keays made the gap too much for the gallant Dees.

Pickett plays are always spectacular
It's not unusual for Kozzy Pickett to provide the Melbourne highlights, and he was as reliable as ever on Saturday. The small forward bookended the Demons' second-quarter flourish of five goals, the latter coming from a mark of the week contender as he climbed on the pack near the goal line. Finishing the play with a runaround left-foot snap only emphasised Kozzy's class

ADELAIDE       2.3    5.8   10.11    13.12 (90)
MELBOURNE   1.6    6.7     8.8      11.11 (77)

GOALS
Adelaide: Rankine 5, Walker 2, Fogarty 2, Keays 2, Taylor, Curtin
Melbourne: Melksham 4, van Rooyen 2, Pickett 2, Sparrow, Rivers, Fritsch

BEST
Adelaide: Rankine, Dawson, Keayes, Laird, Soligo
Melbourne: May, Turner, Pickett, Melksham, Viney

INJURIES
Adelaide: Rachele (knee)
Melbourne: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Adelaide: Wayne Milera (personal reasons) replaced in selected side by Lachlan Murphy
Melbourne: None

SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Lachlan Murphy (replaced Josh Rachele at half-time)
Melbourne: Harry Sharp (replaced Koltyn Tholstrup in the fourth quarter)