But dual Olympic basketballer Erin Phillips spoiled the party, starring for the Adelaide Crows in their 36-point win.

Phillips had 14 disposals and kicked 3.3 as the Crows opened their campaign with a resounding 7.6 (48) to 1.6 (12) win at Adelaide's Thebarton Oval.

Before a crowd of 9250 spectators, the Olympic silver medallist and WNBA player Phillips was a dominant force throughout a contest marred by rain.

Phillips booted 1.3 and had another shot at goal fall just short in a commanding opening half which laid the platform for Adelaide's triumph.

With Rhiannon Metcalfe commanding in the ruck – she had 10 opening-half hit outs while the entire Giants team managed just one – midfielders Ebony Marinoff and co-captain Chelsea Randall frequently propelled the Crows into attack.

Phillips, in a roaming forward role, was the main beneficiary while Kellie Gibson, so-captain Randall, Sarah Perkins and lively winger Deni Varnhagen also kicked majors.

The Crows held the Giants goal-less in the first half and led 3.6 to 0.2 at the long break.

And in difficult conditions - rain fell heavily throughout the match – the Giants never challenged their hosts, scoring their only goal, by Phoebe McWilliams, early in the last quarter.

Nicola Barr (13 disposals), Jess Dal Pos (12 possessions), Amanda Farrugia and Renee Tomkins battled gamely but it was a grim debut in the competition for the Giants.

Ross and Dunn’s Giants will now play Carlton Blues in the second round at Ikon Park on Saturday night.

The Blues will be a tough opponent coming off a big round one win over the Collingwood Magpies by 35 points.

Elsewhere, the Western Bulldogs had a big win over the fancied Fremantle Dockers.

Brisbane Lions upset the Melbourne Demons at home by 15 points in wet conditions.

With AAP