FREMANTLE has delivered Adelaide a reality check and re-affirmed its status as a finals contender, recording a 25-point over the Crows at AAMI Stadium in Matthew Pavlich’s club-record 239th game on Saturday.

There were question marks over how Adelaide would respond to having a bye in round two, and it was obvious in the early stages of the game the weekend off hadn't worked in the club's favour.

Fremantle set up the important 11.13 (79) to 7.12 (54) win in a lop-sided opening term.

The visitors dominated possession in the first quarter, racking up 58 more disposals than their lacklustre opponents and capitalised on the scoreboard, kicking five goals.

The Crows failed to register a goal in the first term and trailed by 30 points at quarter time.

Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy and Stephen Hill continued to give Fremantle an advantage at the stoppages in the second term.

Both teams struggled to hit targets in the swirly conditions, but Freo's skills were slightly better and they extended their lead to 32 points at half time.

The disappointing Crows were more competitive in the second half and outscored Fremantle by a goal, but the damage had already been done.

Fremantle’s win was soured by an eye injury to Sandilands.

The All Australian was subbed out of the game in the third term after copping a nasty poke in the eye.

Adelaide didn't escape injury either, with promising defender Phil Davis (shoulder) spending the second half on the bench and midfielders Bernie Vince and Richard Douglas both suffering heavy knocks.

Fyfe orchestrated Fremantle's dream start, racking up nine possessions and a goal in the opening term. The skilful wingman finished the game with 27 touches (14 contested), three clearances and 1.2.

Patrick Dangerfield did his best to ignite the Crows, gathering 25 touches, five clearances and 1.1, but unfortunately for Adelaide, not enough of his teammates showed the same level of desire.

Fremantle    5.3    7.7    8.11    11.13 (79)
Adelaide      0.3    2.5     4.9      7.12 (54)

GOALS
Fremantle: McPhee 2, Mayne 2, Bradley, Fyfe, Crowley, Mundy, Palmer, Walters, Hill
Adelaide: Walker 2, Vince, Dangerfield, McKernan, Stevens, Jaensch

BEST
Fremantle: Fyfe, Hill, Mundy, Sandilands, McPharlin, Pavlich
Adelaide: Thompson, Dangerfield, van Berlo, Vince

INJURIES
Fremantle: Sandilands (eye)
Adelaide: Davis (shoulder)

SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: Aaron Sandilands (eye) replaced by Michael Walters in the third quarter
Adelaide: Phil Davis (shoulder) replaced by Brodie Martin in the second quarter

Reports: Ivan Maric (Adelaide) for engaging in rough conduct against Michael Walters (Fremantle) by umpire Margetts in the final quarter.

Umpires: Margetts, Rosebury, Jennings

Official crowd: 33,414 at AAMI Stadium

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the club.