AN IMPROVED showing in the second half was not enough for Carlton to rescue its chances against the Adelaide Crows on Saturday, going down by 44 points at AAMI Stadium.

The 15.14 (104) to 8.12 (60) defeat was wrought by a lacklustre first half in which the Blues failed to kick a goal and lost key player Jarrad Waite to a potentially serious knee injury.

But while Adelaide's half-time lead of 49 points was imposing, it was not quite match ending as Carlton was about to prove.

Crows tall Kurt Tippett's second took the margin beyond 50 points early in the third quarter but then the Blues lifted.

Eddie Betts' scrambling effort in the goal square was met with ironic boos by the partisan AAMI Stadium crowd, but the Crows supporters became quieter and quieter as Carlton surged.

A double to ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, both from free kicks, was followed by a running effort from Marc Murphy after being set up by a terrific second effort from full-forward Brendan Fevola.

It was an incredible turnaround. The Blues were still five goals adrift, but Adelaide -- intense and direct in the first two quarters -- had become hesitant in the face of the increased pressure.

The Crows were also missing shots in front of goal, errors that were made all the more grievous when Nick Stevens finished off a movement that began from a Carlton kick in to make it five goals to one in the term.

Adelaide led by 27 points at the final change but desperately needed to sure up the margin with the first goal of the fourth quarter.

Brent Reilly provided it with a wonderful curling snap that gave the home team some breathing space, but his effort was answered almost immediately by an over-the-shoulder gem from Fevola.

Patrick Dangerfield had presented well all day for the Crows only to be let down by his kicking at goal. Those sins, however, were forgiven when he kicked truly to again take the lead beyond 30 points and finally end Carlton's chances.

The Blues had few winners on the day with skipper Chris Judd (19 possessions) well blanketed by Michael Doughty.

Fevola worked hard but his return of 1.5 was disappointing. Murphy (23 possessions, two goals) was strong but was also guilty of missing some gettable shots in front of the sticks.

Stevens, with 32 disposals and two goals, was a standout and Matthew Kreuzer (two goals) was also handy in attack.

But Carlton was never going to threaten after being completely dominated in the first half.

The Crows were more intense, more direct and more effective in racking up eight goals to none in the first two quarters to set up an ultimately decisive break.

Coach Brett Ratten will have plenty to work on during the week to address his team’s lack of intensity at the beginning of the contest as he prepares for next Friday’s match against West Coast.

The Blues are now in danger of falling out of the top eight after losing their third match in the past month.

Adelaide  3.4  8.6  9.11 15.14 (104)
Carlton   0.3  0.5  5.8  8.12 (60)

GOALS
Adelaide: Knights 5, Tippett, Porplyzia, Vince 2, Doughty, Otten, Reilly, Dangerfield
Carlton: Kreuzer, Murphy, Stevens 2, Betts, Fevola

BEST
Adelaide: Doughty, Edwards, Knights, Thompson, Mackay, Johncock, Otten, Rutten
Carlton: Murphy, Stevens, Kreuzer, Bower, Browne

INJURIES
Adelaide:
Carlton: Waite (knee), Heath Scotland (TBA) replaced in side by Simon Wiggins

Reports: Nil

Umpires: McLaren, Hendrie, Pannell
Official crowd: 41,107 at AAMI Stadium

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.