Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson will head home with a knowing smile on his face following his team’s 28-point AFL win over Gold Coast.

But Suns coach Guy McKenna wasn’t grinning after he clearly felt the 16.15 (111) to 11.17 (83) defeat was a match that his improving side let slip away.

Sanderson, who lost defender Brent Reilly to a dislocated shoulder in the opening minute of Saturday’s match, was clearly thrilled to pinch the points after overcoming a 13-point quarter-time deficit.

The vital win moves the Crows one game outside the top eight ahead of a tough month that includes matches against Collingwood, Geelong and Fremantle.

“We’re relieved to get the win but we’re still not playing our best footy,” Sanderson said.

“We’re not playing anywhere near what we’re capable of and this was a small step today.

“Yes, we got the win, a few guys got back in form but we’ve still got a long way to go.”

Reilly’s first-quarter injury allowed substitute Matthew Wright to come into the match and he shone with four goals despite suffering a corked thigh in the second term.

Bumps and bruises were evident throughout the Crows as they absorbed everything the Suns threw at them but that effort was nowhere near enough for McKenna.

In a reflection of how far his team has come this season, the positives – a 42-disposal display by Dion Prestia and another strong effort from young gun Jaeger O’Meara, couldn’t overcome the disappointment for McKenna.

“It was terrible,” he said.

“We had some reasonable numbers as far as some of the key stats go but we couldn’t finish.

“Out of 10, if you like, a five – maybe.”

McKenna also brushed away a suggestion Karmichael Hunt is at a crossroads in his career after the former rugby league star failed to fire in his first game back from a hamstring injuries.

Hunt took until midway through the third quarter to record his first disposal of the game and only had two touches before he was substituted at the final break.

“I know K wouldn’t be happy with that but for him with his lack of nous and ability to find the footy, it’s always going to be tougher,” McKenna said.

“Certainly two possessions for three quarters of the game, we’re looking for a bit more than that, that’s for sure.”