Gold Coast can thank Jordan Murdoch for two late goals in a seven-point win over Adelaide.

The former Cat played just 39% of the game, but both his majors came in the last five minutes as the Suns claimed a 9.17 (71) to 9.10 (64) victory.

David Swallow was Gold Coast's best player with 33 disposals and a goal in a half-forward role.

Brodie Smith was dominant for the Crows in the centre square with 34 disposals and a goal.

Adelaide's first pick in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft Fischer McAsey kicked his first goal in a Crows jumper after becoming the beneficiary of a 50-metre call.

The tall defender looked really comfortable and might be the best option to pair with Daniel Talia in round one.

Ben Davis looks a likely round one inclusion for Adelaide's forward line after an excellent Marsh Community Series.

The athletic forward shook Matt Rowell with brilliant agility and showed deft touch with his kicking.  

Darcy Fogarty showed signs with an early goal and managed to get up the field to find 12 disposals, while Taylor Walker snagged a major from a throw-in as he backed Reilly O'Brien up in the ruck.

Former Crow Hugh Greenwood set the tone right from the opening bounce, laying the first tackle of the game on Brad Crouch, causing the ball to spill out to Touk Miller for a clearance.

There were plenty of positive signs for Gold Coast, but a hamstring injury to Sexton was the clear low point of the game.

New Suns recruit Brandon Ellis collected 27 disposals and looked comfortable alongside his new teammates, while Lachie Weller picked up the same amount of touches in a midfield role.

Darcy MacPherson and Ben Ainsworth look to be crucial elements to Gold Coast's forward line, with the duo combining for 49 touches and 2 goals.  

The Suns played Rowell (14 disposals) and Noah Anderson (six disposals) in the first half, before switching them out for fellow 2019 draftees Connor Budarick (eight disposals) and Jeremy Sharp (14 disposals).

NEW FACES
Adelaide: McAsey was excellent in his first-up showing, holding his own down back and generally clean with his rebounding work.
Gold Coast: There were no 'new faces' after showcasing Anderson, Rowell, Budarick and Sharp against Geelong, but Rowell and Sharp were the most prolific in the Suns’ second game.

WHO'S MISSING?
Adelaide: Tom Doedee (knee) is close to a return, but Riley Knight (Achilles) underwent minor surgery and will be targeting a round three return.
Gold Coast: Ben King (soreness) and Sean Lemmens (illness) missed this game, while Izak Rankine (shoulder), Jarrod Witts (foot) and Rory Thompson (knee) are close. Charlie Ballard (shoulder) is still eight weeks away. 

FANTASY WATCH
If you’re only going with one premium Crows backman, Smith ($646,000 defender) looks the best option. He comes in nearly $70,000 less than Rory Laird and will get plenty of midfield time. MacPherson ($648,000 midfield/forward) should be in just about everyone's front half, with the tackling machine racking up 117 AFL Fantasy points.

NEXT UP
The Crows host the Swans at Adelaide Oval at 4.05pm ACDT on Saturday March 21, while the Suns will host Port Adelaide from 6.25pm AEST at Metricon Stadium on the same day.

ADELAIDE       2.2      4.6     8.6    9.10 (64)
GOLD COAST   4.5   5.10   7.13    9.17 (71)

GOALS
Adelaide: B.Crouch, Seedsman, Walker, Fogarty, Murphy, Crocker, Smith, McAsey, Davis
Gold Coast: Sexton 2, Murdoch 2, Ainsworth, MacPherson, Day, Miller, Swallow

BEST
Adelaide: Smith, B.Crouch, Seedsman, Laird, O'Brien, M.Crouch
Gold Coast: Swallow, MacPherson, Brodie, Z. Smith, T. Miller 

INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Gold Coast: Sexton (hamstring) 

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Haussen, Deboy, Chamberlain, Glouftsis

Official crowd: 2,631 at Flinders University Stadium