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AAP
AAP
Sport
Steve Larkin

Captain Dawson stars as Adelaide down Fremantle

Adelaide's Taylor Walker has kicked four goals in a 39-point win over Fremantle. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Captain Jordan Dawson's inspired display has propelled Adelaide to a 39-point win over Fremantle as the Dockers' lurch into early-season strife continues.

Dawson collected 28 disposals and kicked a goal in the Crows' 17.9 (111) to 10.12 (72) triumph at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The victory squares Adelaide's win-loss ledger after four rounds but Fremantle, finalists last season, are in the mire with one win and three losses.

Adelaide's Taylor Walker kicked four goals and teammates Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele slotted three each.

Dawson was superb in a roaming role in midfield and defence, winning five clearances, laying six tackles and having five inside 50s and five rebound 50s.

Triple club champion Rory Laird also gathered 28 possessions and Brodie Smith (24 touches) offered great dash from half-back.

Adelaide's Jake Soligo (21, two goals), Chayce Jones (21 touches) and Rory Sloane (23 possessions) also helped overwhelm a lacklustre Fremantle.

Dockers Caleb Serong (28 touches) and Angus Brayshaw (31) were outstanding while Lachie Schultz, Bailey Banfield and Matt Taberner kicked two goals apiece.

Adelaide, with ex-captain Walker kicking two early goals, set the tone early by skipping to a 17-point lead at quarter time, 6.1 to 3.2.

The Crows converted half of their dozen entries into their attacking 50m zone into goals.

Adelaide's dominance continued in the second quarter with skipper Dawson the architect - his match-high 17 disposals until halftime featured four clearances and three inside 50s.

The Crows kicked four goals to one in the second term to create a commanding six-goal halftime advantage, 10.4 to 4.4.

Fremantle lifted their collective work-rate in the third quarter but couldn't make much of a dent in Adelaide's lead.

Freo's Schultz kicked the visitors' two goals for the term, punctuated by an accurate 50m bomb from Adelaide's influential Dawson.

The skipper's strike was the home side's sole major in the term as the Crows took a 32-point lead into three quarter-time, 11.8 to 6.6.

Adelaide then iced the victory with another six goals to four in the final term to bank consecutive wins.

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