St Kilda’s slim finals hopes have taken a hit after a 22 point loss to the Crows.
Hoping to end their Adelaide Oval hoodoo, the Saints won the inside 50 count but couldn’t possession dominance into scoreboard pressure.
The Saints (8-10) are now all but out of finals contention after suffering their first loss after interim coach Brett Ratten, who had won his previous two after taking over from Alan Richardson.
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The Saints were brave for most of the night, receiving strong contributions from Jack Billings, ruckman Rowan Marshall and forward Tim Membrey, who was their only multiple goal-kicker with three goals.
Marshall won the ruck duel as his fine season continues, while Jack Steele fought a fierce battle with Adelaide gun Rory Sloan in the middle.
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The Saints threatened as the beginning of the last term with two of the first three goals but despite repeat entries inside 50, failed to land the telling blow.
This wasn't a pretty performance from the Crows, far from it, as they chipped the ball backwards and sideways in the first half.
Portions of the 39,984-strong crowd voiced their displeasure at the conservative tactics.
MEDICAL ROOM
Adelaide: The Crows didn't report any injuries. Kyle Hartigan came off the ground near the end of the first quarter with a left ankle injury but returned to finish the game.
St Kilda: Jade Gresham copped a knock to the jaw at the opening bounce but was cleared to continue.
NEXT UP
The Crows face a daunting trip to Perth face reigning premiers West Coast at Optus Stadium in the final game of round 21 on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Saints host Fremantle at Marvel Stadium in the early game on Sunday.
ADELAIDE 4.1 6.4 10.7 14.8 (92)
ST KILDA 3.2 5.5 7.7 10.10 (70)
GOALS
Adelaide: Walker 4, Betts 3, M.Crouch 2, Lynch, Douglas, Fogarty, Smith, Murphy
St Kilda: Membrey 3, Hind, Long, Lonie, Gresham, Ross, Bruce, Parker
BEST
Adelaide: M.Crouch, Walker, Laird, Betts, Talia, Gibbs
St Kilda: Billings, Marshall, Membrey, Wilkie, Ross, Steele
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
St Kilda: Jack Newnes (illness) and Ben Paton (illness) replaced in the selected side by Matthew Parker and Daniel McKenzie.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Brown, Findlay
Official crowd: 39,984 at Adelaide Oval
