The Magpies banked just their third victory of the season with a spirited 12.6 (78) to 10.13 (73) victory at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Elliott, on return after missing nine games because of a broken leg, booted five goals in a stunning first half.

And he also kicked the match-winner: with Adelaide leading by two points with about seven minutes left, Elliott bombed a 50-metre goal on the run.

Elliott's late strike was the final major of the game as the Pies held on to break a three-game losing streak.

"It's an impressive performance," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said of Elliott.

"To kick six goals, we threw him through the midfield at various times as well ... his talent is unquestioned.

"And his smarts in front of the ball, we have missed."

Elliott was Collingwood's only multiple goal-scorer while veteran Steele Sidebottom was outstanding with his 22 disposals featuring a goal and seven clearances.

Magpies Jack Crisp (31 disposals), Caleb Poulter (20 disposals, one goal), Will Hoskin Elliott (21 touches) and Jordan De Goey (one goal) all had patches of influence.

The Crows, now with four wins and eight losses, butchered a series of shots at goals with the usually-accurate Taylor Walker kicking 2.6.

Fellow forward Darcy Fogarty also booted two goals, as did Paul Seedsman whose stellar season continued in a 27-disposal display.

Adelaide midfielder Rory Laird was superb with his 40 possessions including seven clearances.

But the lively Elliott was the game-breaker, slotting four goals in the first quarter alone.

The crafty forward dominated as the Pies booted 5.0 to 1.1 from the sluggish Crows, who had a dozen players with two or fewer disposals for the term.

"We didn't get it right to start the game ... we gave them the ball back over and over and it's hard to defend when you do that," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.

"Unfortunately, it's one that got away."

Elliott potted his fifth goal in the second stanza, the Magpies leading 7.0 to 5.6 at halftime before weathering an Adelaide charge in the third term.

The Crows took an eight-point lead in the 21st minute only for the visitors to respond with three late goals to creep 11 points up at the last change.

Adelaide's Shane McAdam then threatened to steal victory with a late cameo - he kicked his side's only two goals in the last quarter to create a two-point lead.

But Collingwood's Elliott then capped his remarkable return by dashing from the centre square, taking a bounce, and scoring on the run.

Australian Associated Press