Carlton has escaped with a five-point win against Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday evening in a scrappy clash that would have left both teams questioning their credentials in 2014.
The Crows pushed relentlessly in the final moments but couldn't break through, with Charlie Cameron unable to complete a mark in attack as the siren sounded.
The Blues chances were hanging by a thread in the dying moments but they keep sight of the top eight, winning their fourth match from five games, 12.9 (81) to 10.16 (76).
A total of just six goals were kicked in the first half, but the shackles were loosened after the main break and Carlton was able to maintain a slim lead in the run home.
Well held in the first half, former Blue Eddie Betts was able to kick three of his four goals in the second half to keep his team in the contest.
For Carlton, Kade Simpson (36 possessions and 11 marks) was prolific and courageous, while Chris Yarran (23 and a goal) sparked the team when it was most needed.
Young forward Troy Menzel was a livewire in the first half, and he resurfaced with a crucial mark and set shot in the fourth quarter.
Star Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield was hampered by an apparent hip or lower back injury, but he persisted to finish with 11 clearances from his 25 possessions opposed to Dennis Armfield.
He decided to play on halfway through the final term when he marked 20m out from goal and missed a snap that would have cut the margin to one point.
The Crows had won four games from their past five matches, but Sunday's loss keeps them adrift of the top eight and with doubts on their ability to compete consistently through matches.
If the first half was to be remembered for anything, it would be the hesitant ball movement of both teams and their constant inability to hit targets.
Indeed, it was some of the most forgettable football played this season with Carlton managing just 4.2 to Adelaide's 2.7 in perfect twilight conditions at the MCG.
The Crows tall forward line of Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins and James Podsiadly shaped as a threat pre-game, but the trio remained goalless at the main break from 25 forward entries.
Walker would finish with one goal, while Podsiadly moved into the backline in the final term after Ben Rutten was substituted.
Carlton, which was perhaps the more indirect team in the first half, had just 19 inside 50s but Menzel and Yarran were inventive and kicked three of the Blues' four goals.
Carlton faces the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba next Saturday while the Crows face Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
CARLTON 2.2 4.2 8.5 12.9 (81)
ADELAIDE 1.4 2.7 7.12 10.16 (76)
GOALS
Carlton: Menzel 3, Docherty 2, Casboult, Yarran, Everitt, Simpson, Ellard, Thomas, Waite
Adelaide: Betts 4, Kerridge, Walker, Cameron, Thompson, Jaensch, Mackay
BEST
Carlton: Simpson, Yarran, Menzel, Everitt, Gibbs, McLean
Adelaide: Jacobs, Betts, Thompson, Dangerfield, Douglas
INJURIES
Carlton: Simpson (corked left thigh), Buckley (left leg)
Adelaide: Dangerfield (hip/lower back)
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Jeff Garlett replaced Dylan Buckley in the third quarter.
Adelaide: Jarryd Lyons replaced Ben Rutten at three-quarter-time.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Leppard, Hay, Meredith
Official crowd: 32,419 at the MCG.
