EDDIE Betts has started his career at Adelaide in brilliant fashion, booting five goals against Port Adelaide in the clubs' first NAB Challenge match on Sunday.
The former Carlton star booted three majors in the opening half and had a hand in several others as the Crows cruised to an easy 60-point win at Richmond Oval in suburban Adelaide. It took fewer than 90 seconds for Betts to register his first official goal as a Crow and shortly after it was clear in the coaching box that Adelaide had recruited wisely.
"I sort of gave Dave Noble (list manager) a little wink about the five-minute mark of the first quarter when he had his second," coach Brenton Sanderson said.
"It was a really good pick-up for us, [I'm] really proud of how he's settled into our footy club straight away.
"He's been a great leader off the training field and in the club rooms as well and I think he's set for a big year."
It was Crows' fans' first glimpse at the club's new-look forward line that will include Betts and James Podsiadly and there were no issues with cohesion as the club eased to an easy win over the understrength Power.
Betts' second goal was followed by the first for Podsiadly, who presented well and continually brought the ball to the front of his marking contests.
With acting skipper Angus Monfries the only member of the Power's leadership group playing, it was always going to be a tough day for last year's semi-finalists who missed the class of captain Travis Boak and reigning best and fairest Chad Wingard.
The Power struggled to make use of their forays into attack in the opening term and it wasn't until Aaron Young split the middle in the second quarter that the Power had their first goal. The chemistry of Adelaide's forward line looked sound shortly afterwards as Betts linked with Josh Jenkins to extend the club's lead.
Betts made the most of a free kick at the top of the goal square to boot his third of the half and the goals kept flowing with Matthew Wright and Richard Douglas both slotting majors from difficult angles.
Adelaide's domination continued after the main break, with Wright and Douglas both winning plenty of the ball, as did draftee Matt Crouch who racked up 23 disposals in his first game for the club.
With a 76-point margin at three-quarter time the result was beyond doubt, but the Power attacked hard in the final term, managing five consolation goals with a favourable breeze.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Adelaide: Eddie Betts is going to prove a huge asset for the club if his performance on Sunday was anything to go by. His defensive pressure and energy in the forward line gave the Crows a huge boost and his finishing ability is proven. James Podsiadly looked solid despite limited opportunity, but importantly the pair jelled in attack.
Port Adelaide: It wasn't the result Power fans would have hoped for in the club's first NAB Challenge hit-out, but their draftees performed admirably in their first competitive games. Jarman Impey looked particularly comfortable off half-back and the wing, while Karl Amon found his share of the ball after half-time.
NEW FACES
Adelaide: A huge game for Eddie Betts who slipped seamlessly into his new club's line-up with five goals. James Podsiadly wasn't as prolific but presented well deep in attack. Matt Crouch eased into his first competitive AFL game with 23 possessions while Charlie Cameron had a quiet day in his first game but kicked a late goal.
Port Adelaide: After a great summer on the training track during the pre-season Jared Polec impressed again on Sunday playing largely off the wing. Polec's speed and run and carry will suit the Power's game well. Draftees Karl Amon and Jarman Impey both looked settled and at home, while Daniel Flynn was impressive considering the Irishman's limited exposure to Australian football. Matt White kicked a clever goal and showed glimpses of the outside speed that made him a Power target in last year's trade period. Darcy Byrne-Jones saw limited game time as the sub, but didn't appear out of his depth and even sneaked forward to boot a goal in the final term.
ADELAIDE 0.5.2 0.10.7 0.16.8 0.18.11 (119)
PORT ADELAIDE 0.0.2 0.2.4 0.4.4 0.9.5 (59)
SUPERGOALS
Adelaide: Nil
Port Adelaide: Nil
GOALS
Adelaide: Betts 5, Wright, Douglas 2, Sloane, Kerridge, Smith, Podsiadly, Lyons, Porplyzia, Jenkins, Johnston, Cameron
Port Adelaide: Young, Stewart 2, Logan, White, Pittard, Newton, Byrne-Jones
BEST
Adelaide: Wright, Betts, Douglas, Mackay, Crouch, Sloane
Port Adelaide: Moore, Wines, Young, Broadbent, Polec, Cassisi
INJURIES
Adelaide: Porplyzia (ankle)
Port Adelaide: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Cameron replaced Jacobs in the second quarter; Lyons replaced Porplyzia in the second quarter;
Port Adelaide: Wines replaced Amon in the second quarter; Byrne-Jones replaced Young in the second quarter. Byrne-Jones replaced Renouf in the third quarter.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hay, Hausseen, Fleer, Deboy
Official crowd: 8765 at Richmond Oval
