The stunning progress of Jonathon Griffin and the promising signs of another young 200-plus centimetre ruckman Kurt Tippett, were highlights of Adelaide's resounding NAB Challenge win against Melbourne at Blue Lakes Sports Park, Mount Gambier, late Saturday afternoon.After a slow start, the Crows beat an under-manned Melbourne by 56-points, 14.16 (100) to 6.8 (44).Coach Neil Craig was again pleased with the performances of all of his new and inexperienced players, and naturally gave praise to Griffin, and Tippett when he went on in the last quarter for his first appearance for the club.They contested strongly, refused to be brushed aside and importantly took solid marks in defence.However, Craig placed their performances into perspective with a reminder they, and Adelaide's other emerging talent, still had a long way to go. He described them as promising, and certainly encouraging for the club.Craig also delivered a well-deserved reminder of how well Ben Hudson has accepted the huge responsibility of carrying Adelaide's rucks. He hasn't played a game since round 21, but like last week, he shouldered the work load against tough Melbourne opponents in Jeff White and Mark Jamar."Ben Hudson has been good," Craig said with a hint of excitement. "His work ethic has been great. He has accepted the fact that he is the mature ruckman available for our footy club, and apart from his own for the past two weeks, which I think was very good, some of the work he is doing with the younger players in exceptional."Ben is mentoring and actually taking the younger players under his wing. He is looking at video tapes. It's been really been good for Ben as well, so he is going to play a big role for us."Adelaide, and especially its immensely valued fans in the heart of the South East, also had every reason to be excited about the performances of other emerging talents in this trial, including David Mackay, Darren Pfeiffer, Rhys Archard, Andrew McIntyre, and James Sellar, who kicked a goal in his debut game for the Crows.They displayed glimpses of class, as did Chris Knights this time last year, and yesterday he was a prolific ball-winner against quality opposition.Also pleasing for the Crows were the quality efforts of those returning from injury, especially Brett Burton (four goals), Simon Goodwin, Kris Massie and Bernie Vince.Craig, and Neale Daniher's assistant, Mark Riley, who coached the Demons in this contest, both recognised the fact this was a trial, and with key players missing it was very much about testing their youngsters and ironing their game plans.The season preparation will continue to test everyone at the Crows this week in Alice Springs. By all reports, the oval is in exceptional condition, as was the most impressive Blue Lakes Sports Park on Saturday. The attention to detail was exceptional.ADELAIDE: 0.2, 3.11, 9.15, 14.16 (100)MELBOURNE: 3.1, 3.2, 5.4, 6.8 (44)BEST - Adelaide: A. McLeod, C. Knights, S. Thompson, B. Burton, B. Hudson, M. Mattner, R. ShirleyMelbourne: R. Ferguson, B. Green, M. Jamar, A. Davey, C. Bruce, J. White, C. GarlandGOALS - Adelaide: B. Burton 4, M. Knights, M. Bode 2, S. Thompson, B. Hudson, S. Welsh, S. Stevens, J. Sellar, M. MattnerMelbourne: M. Bate, B. Miller, B. Green, C. Bruce, A. Davey, M. JamarINJURIES - Melbourne: M. Warnock (ankle), B. Holland (corked hip), D. Hughes (ill)CROWD: 5471 at Blue Lake Sports Park, Mount Gambier