IT WASN'T a bad performance, but Adelaide coach Don Pyke said the Crows had plenty to improve on after their one-point loss to Brisbane on Saturday.

Pyke said he was proud of his team for almost overturning a 26-point final-quarter deficit, but it covered the cracks for a showing that was down on its previous month of football.

"I don't think our pressure was the same level as it was in recent times," Pyke said.

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"We lost control of the clearances, especially in the first half and gave them real field position.

"We never really got ourselves going."

Pyke is right, the Crows never got a grip on the contest, but they also never relented.

Rory Sloane (28 disposals) and Brad Crouch (32) were prolific midfielders, while Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts kicked three goals apiece.

The forward line never quite functioned though, with missed opportunities in the final minutes costing the Crows any chance of an unlikely victory.

Out-of-favour spearhead Josh Jenkins has given his coach plenty to think about though, kicking six goals on Saturday in a SANFL Showdown victory over Port Adelaide.

Jenkins has been playing at the lower level while the Crows have rattled off wins over Gold Coast, St Kilda, Fremantle and Port, but must now be a chance of a recall.

WATCH Don Pyke's full post-match media conference

Pyke said he was pleased with the performance of No.9 draft pick Chayce Jones, who was sent to Lachie Neale in the second half after the Brisbane ball-magnet had racked up 26 disposals in the first two quarters.

Neale finished with 39 touches.

Pyke said Brisbane's midfield was too deep, though.

"The midfield battle is pivotal, and I thought our guys were shaded today," he said.

"With four minutes to go we had a few opportunities, we blew a couple of those.

"We needed a goal with two minutes to go … we just didn't close out our plays.

"It's a big prize, six-and-three or five-and-four, it's only subtle, but it's big enough.

"I thought their pressure was better than ours and overall, they deserved the win."