A third quarter clinic from rising Crow Jason Porplyzia catapulted Adelaide 33 points past North Melbourne and entrenched them in the AFL top four at AAMI Stadium.

Faulty goalkicking had prevented the Crows from establishing a game-breaking lead in the first half but Porplyzia's brilliant term, in which he kicked four goals and set up several others, killed off a game that finished with Adelaide well clear, 15.17 (107) to 11.8 (74).

Backman Graham Johncock and forward Brett Burton (three goals) were also outstanding at either end for the Crows, while Kurt Tippett (two), Simon Goodwin (three), Scott Thompson and Tyson Edwards (one) had an influence at various times.

Robert Shirley kept Brent Harvey quiet when it mattered, leaving Adam Simpson and Leigh Harding (two goals) to fight the good fight for the 'Roos.

Adelaide's 1998 premiership players were paraded around the boundary before the bounce as part of 10-year anniversary celebrations of a flag that would not have been won had North kicked straight in the first half.

So there was some irony about a first term in which Adelaide battered the Kangaroos' defence but went to the quarter time break level, 1.8 (14) to a more efficient 2.2 from the visitors.

Tippett looked a domineering presence up front despite slippery conditions, but his one goal was accompanied by a couple other shots that should have been converted.

North booted two of the first three majors in the second to squeeze their way in front, and as the Crows continued to waste shots on goal it seemed little would separate the sides at the half.

But composed finishes from Richard Douglas and Burton allowed the Crows to take at least some value from their attacks by stretching the lead to double figures.

Adelaide have been simulating halftime breaks at their main training sessions over the past two weeks, and last week the reward was a game-clinching burst against Carlton.

This time it was Porplyzia who appeared to benefit most, producing a quarter of poise and talent reminiscent of Darren Jarman at his peak.

Turning the defence inside out, he scored on the run, on the lead and snapping quickly in traffic, also taking a one handed mark within range that he unselfishly palmed off to Burton.

Porplyzia's display provided much of the impetus for a remarkable run of straight shooting that belied the stray first half radar, Adelaide at one point notching 12 goals without a miss.

Goodwin's goal to open the last took the home side's lead as far as 65 points before North restored some pride by halving that by the end.

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