Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch says the injection of speed into the side’s on-ball brigade paid dividends in its 63-point Round One win against St Kilda on Sunday.

The Crows sported a new-look midfield mix to open the season, with Izak Rankine playing as full-time on-baller, along with recruit James Peatling, Skipper Jordan Dawson, Jake Soligo and debutant Sid Draper. 

Crouch played his customary role inside the contest, and amassed a team-high 31 disposals to go with seven clearances.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Crouch said the group worked well together and highlighted how his game supported the midfielders around him. 

“I feel like I complement those guys really well and we worked well together as a midfield group yesterday,” Crouch said. 

“Guys like Izak (Rankine), JP (James Peatling), Jake Soligo and Sid (Draper) their speed is a real weapon, which I think has given us a bit of a different dynamic in there. 

“I thought we moved the ball really well, we scored from turnover quite heavily which has been a big focus for us, and I think our work through the midfield really helped that.” 

Adelaide was relentless in its efforts on Sunday afternoon, as it started the match with a seven-goal opening term, and increased its lead at each break to come away with a ten-goal victory.

Crouch explained the group’s major focus heading into the contest.

“It was a really good performance I thought, we started the game well which was a key focus for us, and it continued on from there,” Crouch said.

“We had a number of guys play their role and execute what we wanted to on the day which was pleasing.

“Going into Round One there is that little bit of the unknown, you’ve done a lot of work over the pre-season, but then you go into that first game thinking ‘what’s going to happen.’

“But I thought our intent and effort was great throughout the whole day and that really set the tone for us to come away with the points.” 

Crouch also acknowledged the impact of the almost 43,000-strong crowd, and the energy the fans brought the team.

“Playing in front of your home fans does help, but I thought the energy out there on the field was incredible all day,” Crouch said.

“It was a lot of fun being out there and I think that comes as a result of everyone playing their role.

“Our playing list is in really good shape, there were no injuries out of the weekend so we are in a great spot in that sense, the challenge will be to continue that energy this week against the Bombers at the ‘G.”

Adelaide takes on Essendon in Round Two at the MCG on Saturday.