In an incredible finish, the Blues looked headed for their second straight draw when the scores were level at the 21-minute mark.
A goal shortly after to Jordan Russell put them six points up before the sides traded points through Patrick Dangerfield and Kade Simpson to leave the final scores at 11.19 (85) to 12.7 (79).
Early on the Blues looked to have rectified their deficiencies from last weekend. Their pressure - especially in attack - was high, and they were exploiting the Crows' lack of pace by playing on.
The first goal went to Eddie Betts, who entered the match under pressure to perform, but it wasn't until midway through the term the Blues built a considered run on.
Andrew Walker (four goals) provided a solid target, and with Chris Judd racking up 12 first-quarter touches as a result of no opponent, the Blues took a 27-point lead into the second.
Just when it looked the Blues would go goalless in the second, Walker took a screamer and kicked a six-pointer after the siren to leave the half-time margin at 10 points.
However, wayward kicking continued to hamper the Blues' forwards in the third but they did enough to finish the job in the final term
Carlton 5.5 6.12 8.17 11.19 (85)
Adelaide 1.2 6.2 9.4 12.7 (79)
GOALS
Carlton: Walker 4, Waite 2, Ellard 2, Betts, Garlett, Russell,
Adelaide: Walker 4, Tippett 3, McKernan 2, Jaensch, Thompson, Vince
BEST
Carlton: Judd, Walker, Ellard, Carrazzo, Murphy, Robinson, Scotland, Curnow
Adelaide: Johncock, Dangerfield, van Berlo, Thompson, Knights, Walker, Tippett, Jacobs
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Chris Yarran subbed off for Aaron Joseph at the 19-minute mark of the third quarter
Adelaide: Matthew Jaensch subbed off for Brodie Martin at the 21-minute mark of the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Stewart, Wenn
Official crowd: 37,607 at Etihad Stadium
