Adelaide had its first hit out of the year on Friday evening, playing an internal trial game at Richmond Oval, giving the coaches and supporters a look at the team ahead of the 2023 season.
The Adelaide playing list was split into two teams, blue and yellow with players switching between both sides for much of the afternoon.
Here are six takeaways from the match:
Rankine bags five
New recruit Izak Rankine gave Adelaide fans plenty to be excited about, showcasing his silky-smooth skills and ability to find the goals.
In his first appearance for the Club since joining during last season’s trade period, the 22-year-old looked right at home in Crows colours.
Rankine had an impact on the game no matter where he played, spending time both through the middle and up forward.
It was in the forward 50 where he was most damaging, showing how dangerous he can be once the ball hits the ground, creating chances from nothing to finish with five majors.
Tex delivers
Key forward Taylor Walker showed no signs of slowing down ahead of his 15th season, being at his lethal best in front of goals.
Walker made an impact within the opening minute of the game booting a goal to get the blue team off to a strong start.
He went on to find the big sticks again later in the term, slotting his second of the quarter after beating out two defenders in a marking contest.
Walker opened the scoring again in the second term, before dribbling home his fourth of the day during the third quarter to cap off a strong outing for the veteran forward.
Young mids shine
Young midfielders Jake Soligo, Sam Berry and Josh Rachele showed the hard work they put in throughout the preseason would pay dividends.
Soligo impacted the game with his ability to play both on the inside and outside, linking up plays or winning the ball himself leaving the Crows coaching staff impressed.
Berry showed the developments he has made in his game, winning plenty of the ball while applying his trademark tackling pressure.
Rachele started the game in the middle however floated forward at times, with his speed and class an asset.
Sloane returns
In his first competitive game in over 10 months, Rory Sloane looked back at home with a strong performance in the match.
Sloane spent most of the game playing either on the wing or in the middle of the ground where his footy smarts and clinical ball use were on display.
The 32-year-old appeared to have not missed a step in his return, still having the speed and power to break lines and move the ball forward.
A fan favourite, the Adelaide faithful were overjoyed to see number nine back out on the park doing what he does best.
Gollant up for the fight
Suiting up for the yellow team, key forward Lachlan Gollant was up against it having to compete with the likes of Tom Doedee, Nick Murray and Jordon Butts for the afternoon.
Undeterred, Gollant fought all game, constantly leading at the ball and making a contest to give the yellow team a chance at goal.
Gollant proved to be his side's main avenue to goal, booting three for the game while being rewarded for his hard work in the final term kicking two majors.
Small forward Tariek Newchurch was also handy inside 50, kicking two fourth quarter goals for the yellow team.
Ignore the score
This was an intraclub with a difference, Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks was making regular player swaps between the two teams for much of the contest.
Interestingly, he even changed the scoreboard on one occasion to simulate different scenarios, such as making one team trail by nine-points and have five minutes to close down the difference and win.
Winning close games in such an even competition like the AFL has never been so important.
Goals:
Blue: Rankine 5, Walker 4, McAdam, Pedlar 2, Keays, Schoenberg, Crouch, McHenry
Yellow: Gollant 3, Newchurch 2, Strachan
