NEW skipper Simon Goodwin got the ball rolling for Adelaide with the opening goal against Collingwood on Saturday, but it was a handful of ‘smokeys’ that set the Crows alight.

Former Kangaroo Brad Moran adapted beautifully to the desert surroundings near Dubai and also to his new role with the Crows.

The athletic 200cm tall showcased his versatility with a cameo in the ruck and also floated back to play as an oversized loose man in defence.

Another new recruit who justified his selection at the trade table on Saturday was ex-Port Adelaide defender Brad Symes.

Symes struggled to break into the Power side last season, but showed he’s at home with the Crows with a disciplined display on debut.

Queenslander Kurt Tippett lived up to his high expectations and oozed class beyond his 30 games of Australian Football experience with quick hands around the contest.

Three other young players Jason Porplyzia, Bernie Vince and James Sellar, who are no strangers to fans at West Lakes, also gave an international audience a glimpse of what they could do.

Porplyzia, first rookie-listed by the Crows five years ago, has served a long and difficult apprenticeship, but on Saturday the smooth operator showed he’s ready to make a move into Adelaide’s midfield with 23 possessions.

Vince, another onballer plucked from obscurity several years ago, has also been troubled by fitness and injury, but was everywhere in the second half against the Pies.

The enigmatic 22-year-old has made his midfield aspirations clear and finally looks ready to deliver on his promise.

Local lad James Sellar also got his first taste at AFL level in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

Sellar was snapped up by the Crows at pick 14 in the 2006 NAB AFL draft, the same year as his Glenelg and South Australian under-18 teammate Bryce Gibbs.

Unlike number-one draft pick Gibbs, Sellar struggled to cope with the physical demands of AFL footy and admitted to being surprised by how far behind he was in the fitness stakes.

But the strongly built 18-year-old has worked tirelessly over the summer and on Saturday was rewarded with three big goals.

Goodwin, who also finished up with three goals (including a nine-pointer) was full of praise for the club’s younger charges.

“I think it’s time at our footy club to try some new things and today we played some youth and they played very well,” he said after the game.

“Ivan Maric, Kurt Tippett and Brad Moran were all outstanding today. So we’ve got three people now probably vying for two spots.”

Outsiders have questioned Adelaide’s capacity to replace the likes of Goodwin, Mark Ricciuto, Tyson Edwards and Andrew McLeod in the years to come, but the early signs suggest that the club is in good shape.

“I was very pleased with what the young guys showed in the midfield today,” coach Neil Craig said.

“I mean, you’ve got Scott Thompson and Brent Reilly, who aren’t necessarily young at 23 or 24 years of age, but the timing is right for both of those guys to really elevate themselves to another level in the AFL and accept the responsibility that comes with it.

“Then we’ve got Chris Knights, Nathan van Berlo, Richard Douglas, Bernie Vince and Brad Symes. I was really pleased with the way they went about it, the responsibility they showed and the way they played, which allowed us to play Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod up forward.

“I’m not saying that will always occur, but the time is right for our club to give these guys opportunities and we’ll continue to do that.”

The young Crows squad was visibly delighted after the game and Craig described the win as a great end to a “fantastic” week.

“The organisation of today and the whole week has been exceptional. I know the guys have had a great experience and it’s a whole new world over here, not only for the younger guys, but for all of us.

“With what’s happening over here in terms of construction and the absolute enormity of the development is a sight to see.”

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.