SIX GOALS from Eddie Betts has helped Adelaide to a hard-earned 46-point win over St Kilda in an injury-ravaged game at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Betts was an ever-present threat in attack and booted a bag of at least five goals for the third week straight as the Crows won comfortably, 18.11 (119) to 10.13 (73).

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The game was marred by what appeared to be significant injuries to St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt (head) and Crows defender Matthew Jaensch (knee).

Riewoldt was taken straight to hospital for scans on his face after colliding heavily with opponent Brodie Smith in the opening term, while Jaensch was also stretchered from the field with a knee injury in the third quarter.

Combined with the late withdrawals of experienced duo Jarryn Geary (corked thigh) and Leigh Montagna (hamstring tightness), the loss of Riewoldt robbed the Saints of much-needed leadership.

But coach Alan Richardson said his side needed more support from its younger personnel.

"David Armitage has been really good for us, Jack Steven again, those guys were strong performers again both in terms of clearance and contest," Richardson said.

"But we need some support for those and that's the challenge for the guys coming up underneath.

"I refer to (Luke) Dunstan and (Jack) Newnes, Billings' predominately forward but when he gets opportunities."

Crows coach Phil Walsh demanded ferocious pressure in the lead-up to Saturday's game but the opening 10 minutes suggested his instructions fell on deaf ears. 

Five talking points: Adelaide v St Kilda

Even without star midfielder Leigh Montagna – who was forced out the game in the warm-up with hamstring tightness – the Saints had all the defensive energy early while Adelaide's movement was sluggish.

After completing a 55-point comeback against the Western Bulldogs last weekend, St Kilda skipped to a three-goal lead before the Crows began to find their feet.

The Saints' chances were dealt further blows when Jack Lonie was concussed in a collision with Crows defender Jake Lever and then Riewoldt knocked himself out while charging into Smith.

The pair clashed heads in sickening fashion, and while Smith was able to be helped from the ground, Riewoldt lay motionless before being stretchered from the field.

After tying the scores on the quarter-time siren, Crows skipper Taylor Walker (18 disposals, three goals) lifted in the second, sending a 50m lace-out laser pass to Betts before nailing another long-range set shot himself.

Adelaide was taking control at stoppages with Sam Jacobs (23 disposals, 40 hit-outs) and Scott Thompson (35 disposals, nine clearances) proving difficult to control as the margin was pushed out to a comfortable five goals. 

The game claimed another victim midway through the third term when Jaensch's knee gave way as he tried to change direction.

In immediate and obvious pain, the classy defender was stretchered from the field.

The break in play failed to derail his side though, as Betts continued to find space inside 50 and add to his growing total of goals in 2015.

Josh Bruce was a highlight in St Kilda's forward line again with 12 marks and five goals and the club's usual suspects in Steven (27 disposals, one goal), Armitage (31 possessions, eight clearances) and Billings (23 disposals) fought hard.

With both sides absolutely exhausted late in the game, a sixth goal to Betts snuffed out any hope of another St Kilda comeback.

Adelaide's win momentarily pushed it to second on the ladder at 5-2 and Crows coach Phil Walsh said its next month would help set up a finals push. 

"These next three games are really important games for us to set our season up.

 

"Really good opposition, GWS in Sydney then Fremantle at home and Carlton have got some players back," he said.

ADELAIDE     3.3    9.3    15.6    18.13 (119)
ST KILDA       3.3    5.8    7.12    10.13 (73)

GOALS 
Adelaide: Betts 6, Lynch 3, Cameron 3, Walker 3, Grigg 2, Dangerfield 2
St Kilda: Bruce 5, Newnes, Hickey, Steven, Shenton, Savage         

BEST 
Adelaide: Betts, Lynch, Thompson, Cameron, Walker, Laird 
St Kilda: Bruce, Armitage, Steven, Newnes, Dempster, Billings 

INJURIES 
Adelaide: Smith (concussion), Jaensch (knee)
St Kilda: Montagna (hamstring soreness) replaced in the side by Eli Templeton, Riewoldt (concussion), Lonie (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES 
Adelaide: Jarryd Lyons replaced Brodie Smith (concussion) in the first quarter
St Kilda: Cam Shenton replaced Jack Lonie (concussion) in the first quarter

Reports: Nil 

Umpires: Deboy, Armstrong, Pannell

Official crowd: 43,532 at Adelaide Oval