Adelaide coach Neil Craig says an upset triumph over Sydney hasn't released the pressure on his struggling AFL club.

Craig's Crows ended their bleak streak with a seven-point win over a wasteful Sydney on Saturday night, 8.9 (57) to 6.14 (50).

The victory at a drenched AAMI Stadium came after a six consecutive losses as some pundits doubted Craig's message still resonated with his players.

"I have never doubted it, it hasn't been my doubt," Craig said.

"It has been a question probably from outside more than internally.

"You think about it as a coach, obviously you ask that question, but it hasn't been a doubt of mine.

"So if that question still exists - one game of football like that is really pleasing for our playing squad.

"But it doesn't wash away everything that has been done or said, consistency will do that and our actions will do that, not just a one-off."

Adelaide's fourth win of the year was watched by a rain-soaked record low crowd at a Crows home game - 23,063 people. The previous low was 24,597 against Fitzroy in 1994.

"I'm really pleased for the playing group and I'm really pleased for the 23,000 people that showed up under really tough conditions," Craig said.

"And we haven't been playing the sort of football that they would want.

"They were really loud and there could be some criticism of the crowd (size) but for an AFL crowd, it's pretty good."

Craig said he would rather keep playing than have their bye next weekend, despite injuries to Richard Douglas (ankle) and 28-year-old newcomer Ian Callinan, who will miss three weeks with a hamstring tear.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP