St Kilda is finally turning potential into performance and is now the proud owner of the only unbeaten record in the AFL.

The Saints heaped more pressure on winless Adelaide and its beleaguered coach Gary Ayres with a polished 15-point victory.

If the Saints can negotiate a tough upcoming five weeks against the Kangaroos, Brisbane, Fremantle, Collingwood and West Coast, their billing as the best team in Victoria will be well and truly deserved.

"A fair few of the guys were out on their feet for the last part of the game, maybe even the last quarter or so," said St Kilda coach Grant Thomas after his team beat the Crows in Adelaide for the first time since 1991, and after coming off a five-day break.

"It was a really courageous performance and I'm sure one they will remember for some time."

Fraser Gehrig booted six goals in the 18.5 (113) to 15.8 (98) victory to sit atop the goalkicking table with 21.

At the other end of the table, last-placed Adelaide will take on rudderless Richmond (14th) next Friday in a match neither side can afford to lose.

The Tigers were belted 19.13 (127) to 11.12 (78) by Geelong - their third successive loss by more than seven goals.

The other two teams under the pump are Collingwood and Hawthorn.

In the absence of skipper Nathan Buckley and full-forward Chris Tarrant, the Magpies' lack of depth has been cruelly exposed.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP