The Crows were sloppy from the outset when Tiger Brett Deledio goaled within 14 seconds of the first bounce, failing to match Richmond's class in the wet.
The home side booted four unanswered goals to take the lead halfway through the final quarter, but as quickly as it stole the momentum it surrendered it as Richmond secured victory with the final six scores of the match.
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It was a case of yet another missed opportunity for Adelaide, and Sanderson said he wasn't looking forward to watching the replay.
"It's just been a frustrating season for that – our best footy is just so attractive to watch and so enjoyable to play in and coach, but we're not doing it consistently enough.
"I'm disappointed to not start well, get back into the game in the last quarter and then hit the front and not go on with it, that's what I'm really upset about.
"We didn't handle the conditions well…Richmond were a lot classier than us around the contest.
"They were sharper, cleaner, they were able to spread with better method than us…handball receives were [112-60] so they were much better around the ball.
"It'll be even harder to watch the review."
But while his side gave up its fifth loss by two goals or less, Sanderson wasn’t ready to surrender his finals hopes.
The Crows remain in eighth spot despite their loss, marginally in front of the Tigers on percentage.
If they can hang onto their position and qualify for a finals campaign, Sanderson said anything was possible for the sides involved.
"If you make the eight you deserve to be there, it's as simple as that," he said.
"Having been involved in footy for 25 years, [September] is the start of a new season.
"Make the eight and then you've got a fresh season, so for us our objective tonight is to learn from our mistakes we made and make sure they don't happen again."
Meanwhile, injured forward Tom Lynch will see a specialist early next week after scans revealed he suffered a fractured neck last weekend against the Brisbane Lions.
X-rays and MRI scans failed to show the small fracture immediately after the incident, but after complaining of persistent pain throughout the week, subsequent scans revealed a break.
"He's seeing a specialist on Monday or Tuesday, so we should have a clearer picture then," Sanderson said.
Twitter: @AFL_Harry
