The match failed to reach any great heights in the first two quarters but eight second-half goals from the Crows set up an important victory – squaring their season at 4-4.
Rory Sloane was sensational for the home side, picking up 25 possessions, including 15 in the second quarter at 93 per cent efficiency.
Fans had to wait nearly 18 minutes for the game's first goal but its second came less than a minute later when Saint Stephen Milne snapped truly down the other end.
It took the Saints 11 inside 50s to register their first goal – their tall forwards well held by the likes of Daniel Talia, Ben Rutten and Andy Otten.
Sloane was working relentlessly from defence through to attack for Adelaide while Leigh Montagna was everywhere for the Saints, both with 19 disposals in the first half.
The Crows held the momentum for much of the second-term and managed 22 more disposals but constant turnovers made it impossible to build a significant lead; the margin just nine points at half time.
Adelaide maintained the run of play in the third term and the game finally looked like opening up when Daniel Talia found himself in unfamiliar territory and booted his side's sixth.
Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt responded quickly with his first of the night, but a trio of majors to Richard Douglas, van Berlo and last week's 10-goal hero Tom Lynch saw the Crows in control by the final change.
They extended their lead in the final term with goals to Jason Porplyzia, Lynch and Jenkins.
The Saints just couldn't make the most of their opportunities on Sunday and were left to rue poor kicking both in front of goal and around the ground.
Crow Richard Douglas' goal-saving chase and tackle against Terry Milera was the icing on what was a pretty bitter cake.
Jack Newnes gets a handball away through Josh Jenkins' legs. Picture: AFL Media
ADELAIDE 2.4 4.8 9.12 12.15 (87)
ST KILDA 2.4 3.5 5.7 6.11 (47)
GOALS
Adelaide: Jenkins 2, Lynch 2, Mackay, Mckernan, Vince, Thompson, Talia, Douglas, Van Berlo, Porplyzia
St Kilda: Milne 2, Saad 2, Armitage, Riewoldt
BEST
Adelaide: Douglas, Sloane, Jacobs, Jenkins, Lynch, Talia
St Kilda: Montagna, Roberton, Newnes, Dempster, Dal Santo, Ray
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Jason Porplyzia replaced Matthew Wright in the third quarter
St Kilda: Arryn Siposs replaced Beau Maister in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Fleer, Stewart
Official crowd: 34,605 at AAMI Stadium
