ADELAIDE rediscovered some of its best football in an 86-point crushing of St Kilda but there remains plenty of room for improvement, says coach Brenton Sanderson.
The previously winless Crows dominated the Saints almost from the outset and extended their lead at every change at Etihad Stadium.
There was a confidence that hasn't been evident across the opening three rounds in losses to Geelong, Port Adelaide and the Sydney Swans.
Sanderson believes the turnaround in form was due to having 22 players pulling in the same direction for the first time.
"(It was) much better, it felt like that was us again playing today," he said post-match.
"It was an even contribution from 22 players, we didn't have to rely on six or seven guys playing well today.
"At times it looked really exciting, but as I said it's one win, it's a very long season (and) we can't afford to take the foot of the throttle at all.
"We still can't say we're back to our best. We have still got a fair bit of improvement left in us I think."
The Crows, who avoided dropping to 0-4 for the first time since 2010, finally put together a dangerous forward set-up against the Saints, who had no answers.
Adelaide only kicked 32 goals in the opening three rounds, but had 12 individual goalkickers contribute 20 majors on Sunday.
Monster forward Josh Jenkins filled the gaping hole left by Taylor Walker to slot four goals in an equal career-best haul, while former Cat James Podsiadly added three in his best return as a Crow.
Adelaide's 'mosquito fleet' also pressured St Kida's backline into mistakes rarely seen under Alan Richardson.
Eddie Betts continued to impress, with strong support from Jared Petrenko (two goals) and Rory Laird.
"What I liked about our forward line today – and I guess the whole team – they did share it around a bit. Betts kicks one, but I think he gave off four," Sanderson said.
"It was a lot to do with the pressure that those small forwards put on.
"Our forward line looked dangerous."
Midfield star Patrick Dangerfield (20 disposals, one goal) was again below his brilliant best, raising further questions about his fitness.
But Sanderson was pleased the Crows could dish out such a belting without relying on the champ.
"That was good, we didn't have to rely on Dangerfield to get us an 86-point win," he said.
Despite Dangerfield's quiet match, the Crows had 84 more disposals and won the clearances 43-30.
Scott Thompson (32 disposals), Rory Sloane (30), David Mackay (29), Brodie Smith (29) and second-gamer Matt Crouch (23) led the midfield charge.
Daniel Talia held Nick Riewoldt to two goals, while Sam Kerridge blanketed Leigh Montagna, who had 17 touches.
The Crows ran out the game better than any match this season, too, responding to Sanderson's challenge at the final change.
"We challenged the players at three-quarter time and 5.2 to 1.2 in the last quarter (is) so much better, it gives us a bit of self-belief that we can do it," he said.
"We're playing a much-improved GWS next week … hopefully we can replicate some of the form we showed today."
