The Eagles, headlined by Nowra's Maddy Collier, held their ground in the first half under new coach Daniel Pratt but were no match for the imposing Crows after half-time as superstar Erin Phillips stepped up to spearhead the 8.8 (56) to 2.6 (18) win.

The 2019 premiers booted four unanswered goals in the third quarter, including a brilliant snap out of a stoppage from Phillips, who was a game breaker with two goals and 23 disposals in a best-on-ground performance.

The former captain looked in fine touch after an interrupted 2020 season that netted just two games, stamping her authority on the game both midfield and forward as the Crows got on top at the contest.

Midfielder Ebony Marinoff (21 disposals, five clearances and a goal) was outstanding through the midfield, proving why the Crows fought so hard to have her three-game suspension overturned at the Appeals Board this week.

The Eagles showed significant improvement in the first half, particularly in a strengthened midfield led by captain Emma Swanson (17 disposals and five clearances) and star Dana Hooker (19 and three).

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They won the clearances 11-9 in the first half and were able to control possession, showing plenty of pace to kick their goals over the top of the Adelaide defence.

They ran out of steam in the second half, however, and were held goalless after the main break, losing their ability to compete at the coalface.

Second-year midfielder Mikayla Bowen impressive when the Eagles were at their best, marking courageously in the goalsquare to kick her team's first goal and slicing through the midfield to finish with 13 disposals.

The Eagles will now turn their attentions to a clash with Collier's former side GWS at Norwood Oval on Saturday.

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