WHILE theconvincing win over Hawthorn may have consolidated Adelaide’s place in the top eight, coach NeilCraig says the real test lies in the coming weeks.

Hiscomments come after the Crows' impressive 71-point win over Hawthorn after comingoff a disappointing loss to a depleted West Coast at home last weekend.

“Clearlywhat we are at the moment is an inconsistent club,” Craig said after the game.

“We need tochange that and only time will tell (if we’ve succeeded). So whilst it’s been agreat victory for us and an important game, our real test is over the next fewweeks to see if we can continue to play at that level."

Highlycritical of his side’s skill execution last week, Craig was pleased with theCrows’ ability to adapt to the slippery conditions.

"Therewere two things that stood out for me tonight. One was our execution. It wasvery good particularly in the conditions. Two, I thought our defensive pressurewas exceptional against Hawthorn's game as well," Craig said.

Adelaide’s defence was resolute, restrictingthe Hawks to their lowest ever score at AAMI Stadium of 4.7 (31).

Withinjured All-Australian Nathan Bassett watching on, the Crows ended anyspeculation their backline would struggle against Hawthorn’s height.

Craig wasparticularly pleased with the effort of defender Kris Massie.

Playingjust his third game for the season, Massie held Hawthorn match-winner LanceFranklin to just five possessions for a return of one goal.

"Ithought Kris was good, very good,” Craig said.

“Thedefence was good all night, which was helped out by what happened in themidfield and forward line.

"ForKris Massie to be able to play the way he did on a quality forward, supposedlythe next superstar forward, was a fantastic result for Kris."

In the wetconditions Craig thought the smaller Massie was the ‘perfect’ match-up for Franklin.

"Idon't think Franklintakes that many marks but he's very quick and agile. We thought as a matchcommittee that Kris had the attributes to stand him," Craig said.

"If weever play them at Telstra Dome it could be a different kettle of fish but wejust thought with the wet conditions and the way we backed ourselves Kris wasthe perfect match-up."