St Kilda has spoiled Adelaide's homecoming after a month on the Gold Coast, downing the Crows at Adelaide Oval by 23 points. 

The 12.6 (78) to 8.7 (55) win was the Saints' first at Adelaide Oval in 11 attempts. 

Zippy forward Dan Butler was crucial with three goals after a quiet outing in the Saints' capitulation to Fremantle, while Jack Steele led the way in the midfield. 

Recalled Crows forward Taylor Walker booted three goals to give his side a much-needed focal point but his teammates couldn't match his output in attack.

SHARE

 

 

 

 

 

The Saints led by a comfortable 20 points at half-time on the back of their small forwards' efficiency but the Crows dominated the third term, only to squander their opportunities time and again, much to the crowd's frustration.

Shane McAdam finally broke through, kicking truly after the three-quarter time siren cut the gap to 16 points before Walker's third made it nine points with less than 10 minutes to play. 

However, the Saints steadied through Dean Kent's second and then pulled away in the last five minutes.  

ADELAIDE                       1.2      4.2       5.6    8.7 (55)?
ST KILDA                         3.2      7.4     8.4    12.6 (78)??

GOALS?
Adelaide: Walker 3, McAdam 2, Keays, Laird, Lynch
St Kilda: Butler 3, Kent 2, King 2, Gresham, Howard, Lonie, Membrey, Steele

BEST?
Adelaide: Walker, Doedee, M.Crouch, Keays, Lynch
St Kilda: Steele, Jones, Coffield, Gresham, Clark, Howard

INJURIES?
Adelaide: Nil
St Kilda: Battle (head)