Adelaide utility Eloise Jones says the side’s execution must improve, following an 18-point loss to Melbourne in Season Seven’s opener on Friday night.

The Crows got within four points in the final term before the Demons ran over the top to take home the Round One win.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Jones said players’ workrate was high but skills let them down.

“Obviously you don’t want to lose Round One, it was pretty disappointing,” Jones said.

“Our intent was really fantastic but our actual execution of fundamental things probably didn’t help us and let us down.

“There’s definitely small things we can fix during the week and hopefully we can execute a little bit better this weekend.”

Jones said Adelaide’s forward line, led by Ashleigh Woodland (three goals), worked well and was a positive to come out of the game.

“I think in all honesty, our forward line stood up,” Jones said.

“I think it wasn’t any fault of theirs, Ash Woodland kicked three goals, DP (Danielle Ponter) was probably unlucky not to have two.

“But I think myself included, our midfield group didn’t help them out. 

“None of our kicks inside 50 were to advantage at all and Ash still managed to get away with three goals.

“If we had delivered in there a bit better, we potentially would’ve seen a different score.

“For whatever reason, we just weren’t able to execute on the night and hopefully we can change that through the week.”

Adelaide takes on Richmond for the first time in the competition’s history at Punt Rd Oval on Saturday and Jones expects it to be a tough battle.

“They’re coming off a loss as well and we know how well teams bounce back from losses,” Jones said

“We’ve never played them, I think we were due to play them a couple of years ago, but Covid cancelled that one out.

“They seem to be quite a strong, contested team as well, so it should be a good hit-out.”

Adelaide’s Round Two clash against Richmond kicks off at 11.10am ACST.