Blues forward Jarrad Waite became the first player to be subbed off under the new rule after he was concussed in a collision with Tigers defender Alex Rance in the second quarter.
Richmond opted to introduce its substitute, defender Daniel Connors, into the game in the third term at the expense of midfielder Nathan Foley, who was struggling with a gastric virus.
After the game, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick admitted he'd made a mistake with the use of his substitute, saying he hadn't planned to replace Foley and that his side ran out of legs in the last quarter.
The substitute rule was brought in for several reasons, with the AFL aiming to decrease the speed of the game, limit congestion on the field and promote fairness.
Craig said it was hard to tell whether the overall speed of the game had dropped after just one match, but that the 'fairness' factor was evident.
"I thought it worked perfectly for Carlton. Normally, with that concussion and someone not being able to come back on Carlton would have to play one player short. Last night they didn't and it was still 21 versus 21," he said on Friday.
"We saw Richmond use it from a more strategic point of view, so we saw both aspects of it in action last night … and after one game, in the first round and with minimal information, my first reaction was that [the rule had done] exactly what it's there for."
Adelaide hasn't settled on a substitute player for its clash with Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night, but Craig has already touted defender/midfielder Andy Otten as a perfect candidate for the role.
First-round draftee Brodie Smith will make his debut against the Hawks and Craig didn't rule out easing the dashing wingman into the game as a sub.
"I don’t think it would be unfair on Brodie. It could be a good way to go," Craig said.
"I've really enjoyed Brodie's form in the NAB Cup and he fits in with what our agenda and charter is as well. We want to make up some ground [on the competition] but we also need to keep feeding people into our footy club as well."
Utility Shaun McKernan has been named to play just his second AFL game.
The third-year player will start in attack, but is also likely to provide support for Ivan Maric in the ruck up against Hawthorn talls David Hale and Brent Renouf.
The clash on Saturday night will mark the 20th anniversary of Adelaide's first game in the AFL, against the Hawks in round one, 1991.
The 20 players who represented the Crows in the first match will be in the rooms before the game this weekend and Craig it was important the current team played its role on the night and put in a strong performance.
"It's appropriate that our playing group understands where we've come from and our roots. They are very motivated about recognising the past, but also creating a new era for themselves," he said.
"I really enjoy this group. This is my seventh year [as coach of the club] and I'm just as excited and enthusiastic now, probably, even more so than when I first started … this group just reaches out to you and pulls you along with it."
Brodie Smith is a $108,500 defender in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition
