Adelaide rode the bumps and ultimately ran away with a 22-point AFL win over Melbourne in an end-to-end classic at the MCG on Sunday.

In an freewheeling contest, the Crows emerged triumphant with an 18.12 (120) to 15.8 (98) victory to extend their winning streak to six.

Adelaide improved to fifth on the ladder after finishing stronger than the valiant Demons.

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Playing on was not an umpire’s direction but a way of life at the MCG, where both sides brought an attacking intent to the contest.

Adelaide’s midfield machine and attacking firepower proved the difference, one year to the day of the death of Crows’ coach Phil Walsh.

The Crows boasted six multiple goalscorers and an even spread of contributors in the middle, led by Brad Crouch and Rory Sloane.

Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts and Richard Douglas kicked three goals each.

A tackle count of 100-74 would have delighted Crows coach Don Pyke.

But there would be few Melbourne fans among the 29,133 in attendance that would leave unsatisfied with the Demons’ effort.

Nathan Jones was the game’s elite performer with 33 disposals, while Jeff Garlett was the spark in attack with four goals and a hand in more.

The Crows stole an early break on an errant Melbourne, taking a 17-point lead at quarter-time.

Melbourne banished their errors and roared back into the contest.

Led by Garlett, Paul Roos’ side kicked eight second quarter goals as their run-and-gun style bore fruit and a halftime lead.

It was then Adelaide’s turn to surge as their midfield took over to win the first 10 clearances of the third term.

Walker and Betts helped the Crows to five goals in nine minutes to wrest control back.

Still the Demons came, finishing the third quarter just nine points in arrears.

Their challenge was snuffed out by a disciplined Adelaide side in the final term as they kept kept Melbourne at bay.

– AAP