Adelaide Crows hang on to beat Collingwood by two points as Brisbane Lions, Carlton record AFLW triumphs

AFLW powerhouse Adelaide remains on top of the ladder after edging a brave and fast-finishing Collingwood in a two-point thriller.

The Crows were overtaken by Melbourne, who smashed Fremantle by a record 88 points, as ladder-leaders on Saturday night.

But the two-time premiers ensured the positional switch was temporary, with Adelaide edging Collingwood 4.6 (30) to 4.4 (28) at Norwood Oval.

The Crows' eighth win of the season did not come easy, as the depleted Magpies fought hard as they attempted to lock up their top-six spot.

Collingwood hit the front during the third quarter through back-to-back goals to last week's Rising Star nominee Eliza James.

But the Crows were able to grab back the advantage through important forward Ashleigh Woodland.

However, the Magpies came again, and a goal from dynamic star Chloe Molloy cut the margin to two points with just two minutes to go.

Collingwood had multiple chances to pinch the lead in the dying stages, with the Magpies blazing away with several shots close to goal.

But the Crows were able to clear the ball out of their defensive 50 and hang on, even without captain Chelsea Randall.

Erin Phillips made an impressive comeback from a knee injury, gathering 17 disposals and kicking a goal.

Collingwood's Ruby Schleicher stepped up brilliantly in the absence of star midfielder Brittany Bonnici, who ruptured her ACL last week.

The Magpies lost courageous Erica Fowler to a head knock during the second quarter.

Fowler was taken off on a stretcher after colliding with Adelaide's Najwa Allen.

The incident will likely be scrutinised by the match review officer, with Allen making contact when Fowler had her head over the ball.

The Brisbane Lions have produced a strong response to a difficult week after