The SANFL Crows have been left to lament missed opportunities after a 33-point loss to Glenelg at Gliderol Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The first quarter was frenetic and Adelaide started well, kicking four goals and going into the first break with a six-point lead.

In the second quarter, the ball spent plenty of time in the forward half and Adelaide had a number of shots on goal, but were unable to convert any of them and trailed by eight points at half-time.

Things went downhill from there with Glenelg kicking away in the third quarter, running away 17.8 (110) to 11.11 (77) victors.

Ruckman Reilly O’Brien was impressive with 18 possessions, 36 hitouts, seven clearances and six tackles while Matthew Signorello played his best game of the year with 22 touches, 12 tackles and seven clearances.

Midfielder Patrick Wilson played well in his 50th League game, with 29 disposals, four clearances and four tackles while Curtly Hampton returned well from injury.

Harry Dear provided a strong presence up forward and kicked two goals.

State League coach Ryan O’Keefe said the team ultimately cost themselves.

“We were playing some really good footy and we were right into it," O'Keefe said.

"Then, after halftime, we decided not to play the way we wanted to play or follow instructions or just do the simple things we were doing really well early."

“It’s continual learning. They’ve got to realise what works and why they were playing well.

“Then they need to recognise they need to keep doing that and not change and go outside the perimeters of how we want to play.”

No injuries were reported out of the game.

ADELAIDE           4.2         4.7         7.8        11.11    (77)
GLENELG            3.2         6.3         12.6       17.8       (110)

GOALS:
Adelaide: Dear 2, Himmelberg 2, Davis, Hampton, Signorello, Wilson, Hadden, Leigh, McMahon
Glenelg: Scott 5, T Milera 5, I Milera 2, Amato, Close, Motlop, Nichloson, White

BEST: O’Brien, Wilson, Signorello, Davey, Cheney, Dear