Jack Lonie appears to have escaped a season-ending injury but that was one of few positives for Alan Richardson after St Kilda were brought down to earth in a 29-point AFL loss to Adelaide.
The Saints started brightly at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon but lost Lonie to a knee injury in the first quarter and couldn't stay with the Crows, who booted five goals to two in the final term for a 15.7 (97) to 10.8 (68) victory in front of 28,421 fans.
Adelaide led by 11 points at three-quarter time and kicked the first five goals of the last quarter to score their ninth win in a row over St Kilda and even their season record at three wins and three losses.
Lonie left the game late in the first quarter after his right leg planted and hyper-extended in a marking contest on the patch of turf that was replaced by ground staff following the controversial opening to the season.
"It looks like he's escaped an ACL injury, which is brilliant," Richardson said.
"He'll still miss a bit of footy, but how long will depend on the scans and how he recovers.
"We missed him, but that's footy."
Compounding Lonie's loss, Richardson conceded spearhead Josh Bruce carried a corked thigh into the clash and was unable to perform to the required level.
The coach refused to use the injuries as an excuse for his side, which he said was outworked by the Crows.
The loss slipped the Saints back to a 4-2 record with a daunting run of clashes against GWS, West Coast and Collingwood to come.
"It's a great opportunity for this group," Richardson said.
"We're 4-2 with two pre-season victories, so the period that we've had now has been strong for us.
"Today wasn't, particularly the back end of the game, but we've been able to respond after going over and getting beaten in Perth (by Fremantle).
"I'd expect us to respond and I know our guys will embrace the challenge and the opportunity, so we look forward to it."
