MIDFIELDER Scott Thompson denied suggestions Adelaide underestimated a Melbourne side desperate to avenge last week's loss to West Coast. 

With the Demons feeling the pressure after their sub-standard performance in the west, Thompson said his side expected Melbourne to come out firing but was left to rue its inability to match the Demons' desperation. 

The 96-point loss on Sunday was Adelaide's biggest defeat since their 141-point hiding to the Brisbane Lions in 2004, the same season that saw Neil Craig take over as interim coach from Gary Ayres. 

After being asked whether his side had taken the Demons too lightly after their only two wins of the season had come against the winless Brisbane Lions and the Suns, Thompson told afl.com.au "not at all".

"We know they have got some talent across their team and they have been challenged this week as well after a poor performance [against the Eagles]," he said

"We knew they would come out firing. We expected that and looked forward to that. But we didn't match them."

After trailing by just 14 points at the main break, Adelaide was completely blown out of the water in the second half as the Demons piled on 16 goals to the Crows' three.

The Crows were smashed in the clearances 51-37, tackles 83-61 and the inside 50 count 73-42, while the Demons had a massive 26 more scoring shots as they romped away with the percentage-boosting victory.

"The third quarter especially in the contested ball really let us down. It's an area we pride ourselves on," Thompson said after the Dees outscored the Crows eight goals to one in the term.

"Melbourne was always going to come out and be strong in that area after being challenged during the week.

"To put that on the park, especially in that third quarter when we got blown away was disappointing."

Despite the Crows losing the experience of Brett Burton, Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod to retirement in the off-season, Thompson believes the Crows are on the path to success.

"As a side we are definitely capable of playing at the level that is expected and what can win you games," he said.

"I think we have a great young list, we just need to get it together on a consistent basis.

"Our inner belief with where we think we're capable of going is very positive."

Despite finishing the game on the bench icing an injured calf, Thompson said he expected to be fit and ready to lead the Crows to victory over Gold Coast next Sunday at AAMI Stadium.

"We need to regroup now. We have a short week, a six-day break so we have to front up against the Gold Coast and put up a better performance out on the park this week."