A RESURGENT Adelaide has run away victors ahead of St Kilda 12.15 (87) to 6.11 (47) at AAMI Stadium.

The Saints held firm in the first half, trailing by just nine points at half-time before the Crows piled on five goals in the third quarter and three in the last to run out 40-point winners.

St Kilda managed to rebound out of the defensive 50 regularly but failed to get a chain of posessions going. Too many kicks coming from the back half ended up hitting the chest of an unmarked Crow.

It was an inaccurate start to the game for both teams. Shots at goal from Tom Hickey, Farren Ray, Terry Milera and Nick Riewoldt all missed to the right, while the Crows also failed to capitalise on their chances.

Dylan Roberton continued his solid early season form with strong rebounding from defence with 23 possessions, while youngster Jack Newnes (25 touches) was also prominent in what was a career-best game.

Leigh Montagna (34 touches) was the leading possession winner on the night.

After an impressive few weeks, Nick Riewoldt had a quieter night with some frustrating supply and solid tag-teaming from Daniel Talia and Ben Rutten.

[ RELATED: Match photo gallery ]

After solid jobs on Steele Sidebottom and Marc Murphy in recent weeks, Jarryn Geary had the job on hard-nut midfielder Scott Thompson and has kept him to minimal influence so far. Geary finished with six tackles.

Sean Dempster did a superb job holding down dangerous Crow Patrick Dangerfield, keeping him to minimal influence.

After spending the first three quarters in defence on Josh Jenkins, Rhys Stanley was moved forward in the last quarter after Beau Maister had been subbed off in his first game back from a hand injury.

The Saints find themselves anchored in 15^th position on the ladder and next week take on the Western Bulldogs who sit one spot below and one game behind.