The Crows blew a chance to move to the top of the ladder, instead dropping to fifth with the upset defeat, level on points but with inferior percentage to three other top four contenders, and with Hawthorn only a game behind.
They face Richmond at AAMI Stadium next Saturday.
"It was a chance today to go to top, and we didn't grab that opportunity, but by no means is the season over," Sanderson said.
"We'll certainly regroup.
"We're a proud team. We're a strong club. You'll see a better performance next week."
Adelaide lost the contested possession count 115-134; just the second time it has been beaten in the statistic this season.
They also had significantly less uncontested possessions than the Kangaroos, indicating a lack of spread.
"It was disappointing," Sanderson said.
"The number that we take the most pride in as a football club is our contested ball, and when you go in as number one in the competition and you get beaten by 19, that's probably the main reason we got beaten.
"We've been so good inside the contest, but today we got beaten inside the contest and outside."
Sanderson said the Crows had played well in patches - particularly in the third quarter when they booted four straight goals - but weren't consistent enough in their effort.
He could name only four clear winners: Scott Thompson, Michael Doughty, Taylor Walker and skipper Nathan van Berlo.
"That's not enough if you're going to go on the road and get the four points," Sanderson said.
The coach was also critical of his team's lack of tackling pressure; their total of 42 tackles including just four in the second quarter.
"That's not how Adelaide play," Sanderson said.
"And I mention tackles too often in press conferences, so it's something we've got to get better at."
