Adelaide have set their sights on some "big fish" after a combined 10-goal haul from Taylor Walker and heir apparent Darcy Fogarty spearheaded a 57-point AFL victory over North Melbourne.
The 32-year-old Walker (six goals) and 22-year-old Fogarty (four) were too strong up front, consigning the Kangaroos to a 12th straight loss and last position on the ladder.
Walker, who is set to be offered a deal by Adelaide for 2023, picked up three goals in the first term in the 17.13 (115) to 8.10 (58) victory in Hobart on Sunday afternoon
In his 50th appearance, Fogarty produced the highlight of the game with a flying grab in a second term in which North Melbourne failed to kick a goal.
"He's playing with confidence and really backing himself in," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said.
"That would be one of his best (games of the year). It's a reward for effort.
"He's put the work in both on and off the field. He's getting exactly what he deserves."
It was the Crows' fifth victory this year and second from their past three games ahead of a big challenge of Melbourne on Saturday.
"There's a real big fish next week. That's the goal. We'll give it everything we've got. If our guys bring four quarters like they did, we'll enjoy taking on any challenge," Nicks said.
The Kangaroos trailed 33-24 at the end of the first quarter but couldn't keep pace with Adelaide, who extended the margin at each change.
"Poor, in a word. (We) completely fell away. Our turnovers were awful," North Melbourne coach David Noble said.
North Melbourne pulled a selection shock, shifting defender Ben McKay to the forward line. He slotted one goal but sprayed a couple of set shots wide of all the posts.
Noble said the move was to cover Jack Ziebell, who is sidelined with a facial fracture.
"We felt like we wanted to give this a look for a couple of weeks but with the Cats next week, we might need (McKay) back (in defence)," Noble said.
North Melbourne's Jackson Archer, son of club legend Glenn, didn't look overawed on debut and picked up 15 disposals including six in the first term.
Tempers flared early in the game with Adelaide's Shane McAdam and North Melbourne's Luke McDonald coming together off the ball.
The Kangaroos lost Bailey Scott to a hip problem at halftime, while Adelaide's Will Hamill was subbed out of the match in the third term with concussion.
Adelaide forward Shane McAdam twisted his ankle late and was assisted from the field.
North Melbourne drop to last on the ladder, with just one win for the year, after fellow strugglers West Coast upset Essendon on Friday night.
