Adelaide’s midfield brigade have powered the Crows to an 18-point victory over GWS in Canberra to maintain their undefeated AFL pre-season campaign.

The 2017 grand finalists took control of Friday night’s hit-out at Manuka Oval in the second quarter after scores had been level at the first change, cantering to a 10.15 (75) to 7.15 (57) win.

After a promising start, the Giants failed to kick a goal during the second and third quarters, as Adelaide tuned up for their round-one game against Hawthorn with ease.

The Crows took the foot off the pedal in the final term after leading by 37 points at three-quarter time, with the Giants putting respect back on the scoreboard.

The result was in large part due to the performances of Crows co-captain Rory Sloane (28 touches, one goal) and onballer Brad Couch (31 possessions), who both endured injury-riddled 2018 seasons.

Crouch didn’t play a game last year as he battled ongoing groin problems, but he put together another sparking display after his first-up effort last week against Port Adelaide.

His younger brother Matt was the pick of the bunch, gathering 38 disposals, with a fit midfield going a long way towards the Crows returning to the top eight after slumping last year to 12th.

Josh Jenkins and Chayce Jones kicked two majors each for Adelaide, while star small forward Eddie Betts provided a trademark highlight with a spectacular soccer goal off the side of his boot.

The Giants were led superbly by ace midfielder Stephen Coniglio (37 possessions), former No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield and Daniel Lloyd (two goals).

GWS coach Leon Cameron gave Toby Greene his first start of the pre-season after November ankle surgery and the small forward was his lively self in the first half with a stunning kung-fu style goal.