The Crows were up by as much as 15 points in the final quarter, but scores were drawn level 24 minutes in. A late behind from Simon Goodwin was effectively the match-winning play.
The final scores were 12.11 (83) to 11.16 (82), with Kurt Tippett (three goals), Taylor Walker (two) and Jared Petrenko (two) the Crows' multiple goal-kickers.
Goodwin, Nathan Bock, Graham Johncock, Myke Cook, Rory Sloane and Tippett were the side’s better players, while emerging youngster Tony Armstrong made a bright start in defence.
The Blues have lost their last seven home and away clashes against the Crows and the club was pleased to perform strongly against a side that has had the wood over it.
Ryan Houlihan (25 possessions), Andrew Carrazzo (22) and Shaun Grigg (22) were the major ball-winners, with Matthew Kreuzer and Mitch Robinson, who have had impressive pre-seasons, also among the side’s better players.
Setanta O’hAilpin (three goals), Robinson (two) and Eddie Betts (two) were the Blues multiple goal-kickers, with Bryce Gibbs, Brock McLean, Marc Murphy and Jarrad Waite also booting singles.
The Blues started slowly, but worked their way into the game and a club spokesman said they were pleased with the intensity of the hit-out ahead of a round one assignment against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
The Crows travel to Subiaco Oval to take on Fremantle in their season opener.
