Adelaide's first-round draftee Chayce Jones did his chances of a round one debut little harm following an impressive display against Greater Western Sydney on Friday night, according to coach Don Pyke.
Jones, the ninth pick overall in last year's NAB AFL Draft, gathered just nine disposals but thrived in a role as a pressure forward in the Crows' 18-point win in the JLT Community Series in Canberra.
The 19-year-old laid five tackles and kicked two goals, with one of them coming from the goalsquare after a desperate clinging tackle on Giant Adam Tomlinson to cause a turnover.
Jones played limited game time against Port Adelaide in last weekend's clash in Port Pirie, but ran out a full match against GWS.
"He did some really nice things in the pressure stakes. He's a young man coming in and we thought we'd give him an opportunity and see what that looks like for round one," Pyke said.
"He certainly didn't do any harm tonight with some of his efforts around there (the contest). He didn't generate a lot of the ball but he certainly played the role we're looking for.
"He's got a bright future, I think."
The competition for spots for round one against Hawthorn is incredibly tight at the Crows, with usual walk-up starts David Mackay (AC joint) and Hugh Greenwood (abdominal) hoping to press their claims during a SANFL trial match on Friday night.
Myles Poholke and Andy Otten also played in the SANFL trial after being dropped, with Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Darcy Fogarty playing limited game time in the AFL side.
Ruckman Reilly O'Brien didn't even get onto the ground despite being suited up in his playing kit.
"The squad's in a good spot. There's strong internal competition for spots and there's some guys that are pretty stiff to be out of the team," Pyke said. "That's healthy."
Pyke was pleased with his side's ability to cope with the Giants' initial pressure in the first term, while there were no fresh injuries out of the match.