When Eddie Betts goaled at the 20-minute mark of the third quarter, Adelaide had extended its lead over cross-town rivals Port Adelaide to 20 points and seemingly had the game's momentum.

A burst of dominance by the Power quickly evaporated that lead, with small forwards Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard combining for five goals between them in just 12 minutes of football in what would be a decisive factor in an intense contest at Adelaide Oval.

Midfielder Matt Crouch reflected on his side’s poor third quarter, in which the Crows lost clearances 6-15, contested possessions 27-45 and conceded seven goals to two. 

“The third quarter wasn’t great, they got on top and we dropped away a fair bit so we didn’t play four quarters which probably cost us in the end,” he told afc.com.au. 

“We tried a few things (to stop them). We felt like our hunt around the footy dropped away a little bit, but credit to them.

“They cracked in and won the clearances, in the third quarter especially.”

Two of Adelaide’s three losses in 2018 have now been impacted by costly lapses, with the Crows overrun by Essendon in the final quarter of their Round One clash at Etihad Stadium.

Crouch conceded achieving a consistent four-quarter performance remains a priority. 

“In big games like that, like Showdowns, (it’s) like finals footy and you need to play for the whole game,” he said.

“It’s something we speak about, and we want to rectify.” 

The Crows return to Adelaide Oval next Friday, hosting the in-form Western Bulldogs coming off three straight wins. 

“Can’t wait to play in front of our fans and hopefully put on a good show,” Crouch said.