The Roos' momentum was halted, as Jamie MacMillan was stretchered off after a collision with Richard Douglas, but it was only a brief respite for the Crows who conceded another three goals before Rory Sloane got his team on the board.
Drew Petrie sent North into the first break with a 24-point lead after a superb goal from a tight angle after the siren. MacMillan was subbed off after suffering a concussion with Ben Speight taking his place.
The Crows were at least able to stem the flow of North Melbourne goals in the second quarter, but wasted opportunities to close the gap with Kurt Tippett, Sam Jacobs and Rory Sloane all missing set shots on goal.
Petrie continued to prove a handful for Ben Rutten and booted his third goal, but Tippett redeemed himself with a strong contested mark on the goal line, which he duly converted.
Lachie Hansen made the margin 23 points at half-time with a nice set shot from just inside 50. Adelaide's work at the stoppages continued to pose a problem for Neil Craig with the Crows trailing by 23 contested possessions after one half of footy.
