ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon believes winning the NAB Cup in searing heat over Adelaide last night will give his team much-needed momentum going into the AFL season.

Lyon also said the $385,000 in prizemoney would be equally valuable to the club, which defeated the Crows 2.7.9 (69) to 0.9.10 (64) in front of 26,823 fans at AAMI Stadium.

"I was really pleased with our effort in really difficult conditions, I thought we persisted," Lyon said.

"I don't think either team played great football but it was a really good contest.

"They won under difficult circumstances against what we consider strong opposition.

"For the football club, (it's) some momentum going into the season, four wins even though it's a pre-season competition.

"Some prizemoney for the coffers of the clubs, the Melbourne clubs have to fight hard for the cash so that always helps.

"They are the sort of things that bring a little smile to your face."

The Saints emerged with no injuries but Lyon said it would be 48 hours before any ramifications of playing in such sweltering conditions would be known.

Adelaide coach Neil Craig said his side set itself to win the game, even though he persisted in experimenting with his young players.

"It was a tough game of footy, and the reason we wanted to play with that attitude tonight was that it was important for our younger or junior players to go into a game with an attitude of wanting to win," Craig said.

"They got that experience what it takes, and we will analyse it; the things that we need to better under the really strong competition, and St Kilda provided that tonight.

"Whilst there is big disappointment from our playing group, and the club, it's been a really good preparation for us, and we got a lot out of it."

Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett (shoulder) and young midfielder Chris Knights (quad muscle) were forced out of the game in the first half, and will be assessed over the next few days.

The club expects them to be available for Adelaide's first home-and-away match against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Easter Sunday.

With AAP