After a worrying start, Adelaide flipped the script on St Kilda to hold a three-point half-time lead at soggy Adelaide Oval.
The Crows trailed in virtually all departments at quarter-time, but only by eight points on the scoreboard, before seizing the upper hand at the contest and in territory as the heavens opened in the second term.
Josh Battle of the Saints tackles Lachlan Murphy of the Crows.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Defensively, Adelaide gradually slowed down the Saints’ patient kick-mark build-ups, lifted their intent at ground level and showed a willingness to attack the corridor, which had been absent early.
Captain Jordan Dawson started the match at half-forward, spent some time in the midfield, then finished the half as an extra defender as the Crows got their behind-the-ball structures right.
Crows 35, Saints 31 at HT.