Perennial AFLW powerhouse Adelaide have decisively ended North Melbourne's unbeaten run in their first season but the other competition newcomer enjoyed a significant win.
The Crows 35-point win over the Kangaroos lifted them above the Victorian club on percentage, with both teams on 16 points following the Conference A top-of-the-table clash in Werribee on Sunday.
Erin Philips contributed two goals and 23 possessions for the Crows, while Emma Kearney bagged 31 disposals for North.
North coach Scott Gowans said the result was a timely wake-up.
"What we learned today was we've got a bit of work to do so we'll go back to the drawing board and see what we get out of it," he said.
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Melbourne stayed in contention for a top two place with a 39-point away drubbing of Conference B stragglers GWS on Sunday.
Demons Forward Tegan Cunnighnam kicked 3.2 to outscore GWS by herself, with the Demos moving to within four points of the second placed Roos.
The loss left the Giants a win and percentage off second spot, with coach Alan McConnell admitting his side probably needed a miracle to make the finals.
"The reality is we don't kick enough goals. If you don't put the opposition under pressure both in general play and on the scoreboard it eventually gets you," he said.
Late Sunday, an improved Fremantle inched closer to an inaugural finals berth with a 8.4 (52) to 5.4 (34) win over the Western Bulldogs, leaving the AFLW premiers' title defence hanging by a thread.
In Saturdays' match between the conference B pacesetters, first season club Geelong restricted Brisbane to just 1.2 in a 27 point win, which gave them outright top spot.
Brisbane dropped to third below Carlton, who boosted their finals hopes with a five-point win over Collingwood.
