Adelaide was overrun by St Kilda to go down by 21 points in Sir Doug Nicholls Round at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

The Crows failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal as the Saints won 14.6 (90) to 9.15 (69).

The Saints' midfield, missing captain Jack Steele due to a shoulder injury, was made to battle deep into the final term before sealing the win, but Brad Hill stepped up with 30 disposals.

Ben Keays continued his strong form for Adelaide with 27 disposals and Jordan Dawson was important (22 touches and two goals).

Brodie Smith was another of the Crows' best and finished with 28 disposals and 659m gained.

It was a spirited opening from the Crows, as Riley Thilthorpe looked lively and kicked an early goal in his first match since Round One.

But Adelaide was not able to make the most of its 9 inside 50s and trailed 1.5 to 2.1 at the first change.

The hosts continued its dogged efforts through the second term but again failed to capitalise on the scoreboard, and a 4.8 to 3.3 half-time lead was quickly erased by a goal to Tim Membrey and two to Max King.

ADELAIDE    1.5    4.8    6.13    9.15  (69) 
ST KILDA      2.1     3.3    6.4    14.6  (90)

GOALS
Adelaide: McAdam 2, Thilthorpe, Soligo, Dawson, Rowe, Rachele
St Kilda: King 5, Hill, Membrey, Crouch, Sharman, Wood

BEST
Adelaide: Keays, Dawson, Smith
St Kilda: King, Hill, Crouch, Sinclair

INJURIES
Adelaide: Rachele (hip), replaced by Lachlan Sholl in final quarter
St Kilda: Nil

Reports: Nil