Melbourne has stormed home to a 51-point win over the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night.
Having been made to battle its way through Wednesday night, Melbourne overcame a clumsy start to avoid the ignominy of being Adelaide's first scalp of season 2020.
A seven-goal final term from the Demons helped to deliver the separation between the two sides, as the visitors shrugged off a disappointing fortnight to record a 13.10 (88) to 5.7 (37) win that will momentarily release the pressure that has been building at the club.
Clayton Oliver was the driving force behind Melbourne's improved second half, recording 34 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 12 clearances, six tackles and adding a nice goal in an impressive display that was far away the best performance on the field.
Former captain Jack Viney (22 disposals, eight clearances, two goals) was also a decisive factor in the midfield, helping the Demons overcome a loss to Port Adelaide last week that was described by club president Glen Bartlett as "disgraceful" and "insipid".
The result stretches a youthful Adelaide's winless start to the season to 10 matches, as first-year coach Matthew Nicks continues his search for a breakthrough maiden victory in charge.
Matt Crouch (27 disposals, eight tackles) had helped ensure the Crows were within touching distance until half-time, but all hopes of that long-awaited first win for the campaign quickly dissipated when the hosts conceded the opening four goals after the main change.
Things then went from bad to worse, as Melbourne piled on the misery in the last quarter.
ADELAIDE 2.4 4.5 4.7 5.7 (37)
MELBOURNE 3.2 5.4 6.7 13.10 (88)
GOALS
Adelaide: Seedsman 2, Fogarty, Himmelberg, Crocker
Melbourne: Weideman 3, Jackson 2, Melksham 2, Viney 2, Fritsch 2, Bennell, Oliver
BEST
Adelaide: M.Crouch, Brown, Keays, Laird, Seedsman
Melbourne: Oliver, Viney, May, Petracca, Salem, Lever
INJURIES
Adelaide: Hamill (concussion)
Melbourne: Nil
