Adelaide have survived a huge scare from Carlton, coming from behind to score a hard-fought 12-point win at the MCG.

Dale Thomas put the Blues in front for the first time with a goal from long range 12 minutes into the last quarter on Saturday but Adelaide kicked the next three goals to seal a 13.11 (89) to 12.5 (77) victory.

The Crows led by 18 points at quarter-time in a game high on stoppages and low on entertainment but the Blues were more direct in the second quarter.

Matthew Kreuzer (42 hitouts) was instrumental in the ruck and around the ground, while Bryce Gibbs (30 possessions) – showing why he was chased hard by Adelaide at last year’s trade period – had 10 of his 15 tackles for the match by half-time.

Carlton’s stifling pressure helped cut the margin to six points at the main break.

Rejuvenated Blues defender Liam Jones claimed another scalp, keeping Taylor Walker to one goal, but his only major came at an important time in the match.

The Crows skipper baulked around the man on the mark to kick truly from 50 to help his side to an 11-point break at three-quarter time.

With Rory Sloane having another quiet day, Matt and Brad Crouch did a lot of the heavy lifting in close for the Crows.

Richard Douglas and Brodie Smith were also important in an indifferent performance by Adelaide, who struggled for an even contribution.

Matt Crouch kicked a brilliant goal after Thomas had given the Blues a late lead and Josh Jenkins, who finished with three goals, added another from well outside 50 to help Don Pyke’s side claim their 10th win of the season.

The Crows have a six-day break before they host the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval and Carlton take on Melbourne at the MCG next Sunday.