The early signs look promising for Adelaide on the AFL Fantasy front following Sunday’s opening NAB Challenge contest.

Extended benches, managed workloads and experimental roles can sometimes make it tough to gauge performances this early in the pre-season. But there are several Crows to keep a watchful eye on heading toward Round One.

Tom Lynch was the only player to reach triple figures in the shortened match, amassing 23 possessions, eight marks and two goals for an even 100 points.

He could’ve bagged more majors himself and posted an even bigger Fantasy score, but Lynch was unselfish up forward and instead finished the match with an equal game-high five score assists. He led the competition in the statistic last year.

Underrated and underpriced at $491,000, Lynch is a safe option for the forward line.

Ball magnet Matt Crouch was the leading possession-winner in Sunday’s clash with the Eagles at Unley Oval, with his 24 touches producing 81 Fantasy points. Impressively, Crouch’s haul was from only 65 per cent game time as part of his premiership season preparation.

Crouch finished 2015 strongly, averaging 81 points in his nine full games from Round 13 onwards. The 20-year-old’s focus on winning more outside ball and the end of the subs vest could see his Fantasy numbers reach another level this year. Lock him in your midfield at $396,000.

Fellow young gun Dean Gore looks another promising Fantasy prospect. He played the fifth-least minutes of any Crow in Sunday’s match, yet scored the fifth-most points with his 78 helped by two goals, six marks and 13 disposals.

The teen proved he isn’t overawed by the tough stuff and is one to keep your eye on at the bargain price of $125,000.

Jake Lever (73) and Rory Atkins (69) both looked comfortable as the pair look to re-establish themselves in Adelaide’s best 22. Be sure to track their progress over the remainder of the NAB Challenge.

Ruckman Sam Jacobs notched 23 hit-outs, 13 possessions and booted a goal for his 72 points in the abbreviated match. After averaging over 96 points per game through the last two seasons, expect ‘Sauce’ to nudge the ton this year.

Other known Fantasy guns in Scott Thompson (80), Taylor Walker (65), Brodie Smith (57) and Rory Laird (56) also did enough to suggest they’re building nicely for Round One.

Join the Adelaide Crows Official AFL Fantasy Classic League with league code: W2MWFUJC

Crows Fantasy totals - NAB 1 v West Coast