Adelaide took on Port Adelaide in a match sim trial at Thebarton Oval on Saturday afternoon, and there were plenty of positive signs to come from the game.

Here are five takeaways from the match.

Martin shows ball winning ability

Rachelle Martin was one of Adelaide’s standout contributors in the trial game and proved she was able to make an impact up forward, as well as through the midfield.

Martin’s hunger and ferocity to win the ball was a highlight, capping a strong outing by snapping through a goal from 35m out.

The Premiership star spent the first half forward but was then thrown into the midfield after half-time and her performance impressed Crows AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke.

“She’s been a pretty good player for us for a couple of years now so it’s no surprise she played pretty well,” Clarke said.

“In the absence of some of our other midfielders it was great for her.”

Solid team defence and structure

From the start of the match sim, Adelaide’s team defence and structure behind the ball proved effective, allowing Port Adelaide minimal inside 50’s entries during the first term.

Although the Power were able to snatch some momentum in the second quarter, Clarke was still pleased with his side's output.

“The first quarter was really good,” Clarke said.

“Port probably lost shape a bit.

“In the second quarter Port got us a couple of times.

“I didn’t think that we did not have representation, they just won those contests.”

Ponter has strong impact

Two-time Premiership forward Danielle Ponter was another of Adelaide's strong ball winners, particularly around the stoppages, and made her impact felt from the opening bounce.

Ponter made sure Port Adelaide had no easy clearances, laying some big tackles through the four quarters to keep the ball in a favourable position for the Crows.

“She had a really good game,” Clarke said.

“She traditionally plays mostly forward for us but played exclusively through the midfield and had a really good performance.”

Draftees show potential

Adelaide’s new draftees Keeley Kustermann and Kiera Mueller proved they have plenty of potential, while McKenzie Dowrick, who was re-selected after being on the Club's list in Season Six, also impressed,

Kustermann spent time in defence, Mueller ran through the middle and Dowrick played off halfback, leaving Clarke pleased with how they performed.

“Keeley played mainly defence and a bit on the wing,” Clarke said.

“She had lots of run, got into some good contests and had a really good save on the outside wing.

“Kiera we threw around a little bit which is a bit tough in your first game but she started back and in the second half played midfield.

“She probably hasn’t played their before, but we wanted to see how she went and she was good.”

Kelly and Ward impress

 Niamh Kelly and Amber Ward who joined the club during the trade period from West Coast also had solid outings in their first game for the club.

Clarke said they would only get better as they continued to get used to the team's structure and playing alongside their new teammates.

“Niamh was really strong at the start and ran out the game really well,” Clarke said.

“Amber was really composed and had a couple of nice defensive moments.

Another of Adelaide’s new additions, Jess Waterhouse was impressive up forward, showcasing her ability to hit the scoreboard.

“Jess kicked three goals in the first half and looked dangerous,” Clarke said.

“She laid some tackles and I think she would be happy.”

Adelaide takes on North Melbourne at Norwood Oval in an official AFLW pre-season match at Norwood Oval next Saturday, at 10am.

The Crows' Premiership defence then kicks off with a Grand Final rematch against Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Friday, August 26, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.