Six days after being knocked out, Rory Sloane has propelled Adelaide to a 21-point victory over Geelong to claim outright AFL flag favouritism.

Sloane kicked three goals and Richard Douglas potted four in a 13.13 (91) to 10.10 (70) Friday night triumph at Adelaide Oval.

The Crows gained precious air at the top of the AFL table: now six premiership points clear of the second-placed Cats.

Sloane, who was concussed in last Saturday night’s win, collected 27 disposals and laid seven tackles in an electric game.

And his canny teammate Douglas also capitalised as Adelaide emphatically snapped a five-game losing streak against Geelong.

Cat superstar and ex-Crow Patrick Dangerfield overcame a foot injury and was prominent with 25 disposals and a goal for the visitors, and Harry Taylor kicked five goals.

But Geelong were jumped at the start, the Crows booting five majors to one in an opening quarter blitz to set the tone.

Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs (32 hit-outs, 17 possessions) ruled the rucks, giving silver service to Sloane, Hugh Greenwood (23 possessions) and the Crouch brothers – Matt had 32 touches, Brad 29.

And Adelaide’s miserly defence was marshalled superbly by Rory Laird (22 disposals) and Daniel Talia, who subdued Tom Hawkins (one goal).

The Crows assuredly built on their 22-point quarter-time lead – 29 up at halftime; 37 at three quarter-time.

But Geelong veteran Taylor led a late charge – when he booted his fifth goal some 15 minutes into the last term, the Cats crept within 21 points adrift.

But while the Crows couldn’t muster goal in the final quarter, they held on to dish out the fifth loss of the year for the Cats, who could lose second spot to Greater Western Sydney by the round’s end.

The Crows are in the box seat for a top-two finish and home final, with 13 wins in the bank ahead of next Sunday’s away match against Collingwood.