The Suns initially showed no signs of any 'post-Qclash' lethargy in the opening quarter of the match, bursting out of the blocks with the first four goals of the game while holding Adelaide to just one behind midway through the term.
McKenna was delighted with the effort of his players in the first-quarter blitz.
"Certainly the intent was there," said McKenna.
"We came over to jump them early."
"I still remember the message I put on the board: 'make that statement early' - and I thought the boys did that."
However, two late goals to Ricky Henderson and Kurt Tippett handed the momentum back to the Crows going into the quarter-time break.
Adelaide then piled on another seven unanswered goals in the second term to completely dispel Gold Coast's dream start.
Patrick Dangerfield was the spark for the Crows, gathering nine disposals and slotting two goals to lift his team into the lead in the second quarter. The 21-year-old finished with 23 touches and six goals in a best-on-ground performance.
After half-time it was all Adelaide, with the Crows booting 11 goals to the Suns' five to finish comfortable winners against a fading Gold Coast.
"Today was always going to be a physical test against Adelaide," admitted McKenna.
"We know Neil Craig and his conditioning department push their boys fairly hard.
"In short bursts I reckon we tend to look good, but they're not conditioned yet as three or four-year AFL players. You're not going to do that in one pre-season.
"We know we are a bit behind their [fitness], and over the course of a game it's our [main] issue.
"We don't have a normal senior side - a lot of our kids are asked to play like men.
"That's why we have our peaks and troughs."
McKenna was more inclined to look at the positives to emerge from the game, including a stellar four-goal and 41-possession game from skipper Gary Ablett on his 27th birthday.
"He's done everything right," said McKenna of Ablett's first six games with the club.
"I think a lot of people judge Gaz on the stats and what he does out on the ground.
"But there's been a lot of work behind the scenes with our young midfield and our young group in general.”
McKenna also revealed he felt his young Suns are beginning to "turn the corner" and show they truly belong at AFL level.
"We're not around the corner, but we are coming up to it," said McKenna.
"I think our structures - when we stick to those - are good, but it's still a work in progress.
"It's just getting that chemistry and the boys playing as many games as they can together.
"There are signs there. We're around the mark, that's for sure."
Max Phillips covers news from AAMI Stadium for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_MaxPhillips
