ADELAIDE learned first-hand on Thursday night why Hawthorn has come to be recognised as one of the most skilful sides of the past decade.

The Hawks weren't even at their best as they kicked five of the last six goals to win by 29 points.

Both sides missed chances they really should have converted but the reigning premiers were able to put together free-flowing passages by hitting targets at crucial moments.

For all their spirit to remain in touch and then hit the lead, the Crows were forced to fight too hard for each goal.

In the opening term Adelaide kicked with an efficiency of just 45 per cent; for a side that wants to play a kick-heavy brand of football, it has some work to do.

Midfielder David Mackay said that's fine with him.

He promised the playing group would continue to train hard and he predicted the exposure to the Hawks' brand of footy would aid the players' development.

"Our skill level obviously let us down a lot – if we hit more targets I think we're certainly in with a better chance of winning the game," Mackay told AFL.com.au.

"That's something that's been a pretty common theme the last few weeks and something we're working really hard at.

"It's not going to change overnight, we've got to keep working hard at it … we've seen the level we need to get it to – [the Hawks] are the benchmark.

"We'll see gradual improvement and I suppose playing in games like [Thursday night] is going to help us, expose us to that pressure and expose us to a team who defend really well."

Thursday night's loss pushed the Crows on eighth on the ladder.

They'll fly to Brisbane next weekend hoping to retain their place in the top eight against the Lions.