The Crows levelled with a behind early in the final term but could not score from there, Melbourne kicking the only two goals for the term to win 7.15 (57) to 5.11 (41) before 23,335 fans.

The Demons' win snapped a four-game losing streak dating back to last season, while Adelaide's loss meant they joined Richmond and West Coast as the winless sides after three rounds.

But the Crows were cruelled by injuries, as they had only one fit player on the bench entering the last quarter and finished the game with no fit players on the bench.

Defenders Nathan Bock and Trent Hentschel suffered leg injuries before half-time and forward Patrick Dangerfield was sent to hospital after being driven into the turf in a tackle in the third quarter.

The Crows lost a fourth player midway through the last quarter when forward Kurt Tippett was assisted off with a leg injury.