Three-time AFLW premiers Adelaide have demolished St Kilda by 44 points, marking a disappointing finals debut for the Saints.
After finishing inside the top-eight for the first time since entering the AFLW in 2020, St Kilda were comprehensively outplayed by the finals-hardened Crows at Norwood Oval on Sunday.
Adelaide kept St Kilda to just one point in the first half to lead by 28 points at the main break, setting up the 8.12 (60) to 2.4 (16) win.
In long-time coach Matthew Clarke's final season in charge, the Crows ensured they progressed to a sudden-death semi-final against Melbourne at Ikon Park next week.
St Kilda's first goal didn't come until 10 minutes into the third quarter through star midfielder Georgia Patrikios when Adelaide led by 33 points.
The Saints enjoyed their most productive period of the match, with Jesse Wardlaw quickly kicking another goal and threatening to cut the Crows' lead to only 15 points.
But Wardlaw missed her next attempt, before star Anne Hatchard's composed set shot from the boundary killed off St Kilda's momentum, as Adelaide went into three-quarter time 26 points in front.
The Crows shared the goals around with Caitlin Gould and India Rasheed kicking two each.
Teah Charlton, Eloise Jones, Hatchard, and even defender Zoe Prowse also hit the scoreboard.
Star Crows defender Chelsea Randall made an impressive return after missing the last two months with concussion symptoms.
With the result secured, Randall spent the last 10 minutes of the match resting on the bench.
St Kilda failed to score in the last quarter, meaning they only put through one point in three of the four terms.
Despite crashing out of the finals in the first week, St Kilda would be encouraged with their development this season.
The Saints were hit hard by injuries at the end of their campaign, blowing an opportunity to secure a home final with a heavy defeat to the Western Bulldogs last week.
