The Adelaide Crows have survived a late scare to snap a four-game losing streak, defeating Hawthorn by 19 points at Marvel Stadium.

Crows midfielder Rory Laird was outstanding with 36 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals, while former skipper Taylor Walker continued his resurgent season, booting four goals in Saturday's clash.

The win lifts the Crows (6-12) to 15th on the ladder and moves them six points clear of the wooden spoon.

Meanwhile, the 17th-placed Hawks (4-13-1) are now only ahead of last-placed North Melbourne due to a superior percentage with four rounds to go.

Tom Mitchell, James Worpel and Lachlan Bramble were the best for the Hawks, while Mitchell Lewis kicked three goals.

"Really pleased, more so with the way we went about it," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.

"We got a little more of our game back that we saw earlier in the year, and that was really pleasing.

"Our young group were able to do that with limited training and a challenging week, so really pleased for them and proud of what they put out there.

"I hope everyone back home (in South Australia) enjoyed the game because it's a pretty tough time."

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said his side was guilty of making too many errors.

"The game was up for grabs and we gave ourselves a chance, but the difference was the polish of the two sides," Clarkson said.

"Adelaide were able to control the ball a bit better than we were, and at stages, we played a little too fast and frantic.

"That's sometimes the way things unfold with an inexperienced group and want to go at the game too quick, rather than have the patience to compose themselves."

The Crows led by 12 points at three-quarter time before Hawks goals to youngster Tyler Brockman and captain Ben McEvoy narrowed the margin to one point.

But three straight goals to Laird, Ned McHenry and Walker gave the Crows breathing room before Elliott Himmelberg kicked a late goal to seal the deal.

The Crows lost their home ground advantage when they flew to Victoria on Tuesday in response to South Australia's seven-day lockdown.

However, they didn't appear bothered by the change of location as they took the game on, using handballs to move the ball quickly and give their forwards opportunities to find space.

Hawks midfielder James Cousins was substituted out of the game with hamstring tightness and is likely to miss next week's game against Brisbane.

The Crows are also likely to be without small forward Lachie Murphy with an ankle injury.

The Crows led by 22 points early in the third quarter before the Hawks kicked four straight goals to hit the front late in the term.