Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks admits the Crows' first-quarter demolition of the Western Bulldogs felt like a dream, describing it as the club's best performance of the year.

After a shaky start to the season when they slumped to 1-3 , the Crows are back in the form that led them to last year's minor premiership.

Beaten by the Bulldogs in Adelaide earlier in the season, Nicks' team charged out of the blocks at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night to register the second best first quarter in club history.

"I've had that dream a number of times, woken up at 4am smiling," Nicks responded to a question about the 9.2 first term.

"We get to quarter time and you sort of come down thinking, 'OK where to from here?'.

"We challenged ourselves coming into this game about our focus and whether we were going to bring it, be in the moment.

"That's the most complete quarter we've played, or at least complete game, I'd say this year.

"Really proud of the way they were able to focus on the task at hand, which wasn't an easy one."

Adelaide's fifth win from six games lifts them to fifth, jumping above the Bulldogs, ahead of a home clash with Melbourne.

They have got themselves back up the ladder while dealing with numerous injury issues.

The likes of star Izak Rankine, veteran forward Taylor Walker, prized recruit Callum Ah Chee, and key defender Mark Keane remain sidelined and missed the clash with the Bulldogs.

It comes after the Crows' first finals campaign in eight years ended in bitter disappointment last September when they were eliminated in straight sets.

But inspirational captain Jordan Dawson continues to lead the Crows' charge, despite dealing with the devastation and tragedy following the death of his brother, Jaryd, in April.

"Footy and being on the field seems to be something that he's embracing and enjoying, and doing it for his teammates," Nicks said of Dawson.

"He's always been an ultimate team player, which is why he's our captain."