For full match replays 12 hours after the game, go to AFL VIDEOS under the screen.
In a low-scoring battle, the Crows managed to scrape over the line despite intense opposition from their great rivals. A behind to Brent Reilly with a minute left gave the Crows the lead, and they held on to win 0.2.6 (18) to 0.2.5 (17).
There was some controversy in the dying moments when, after Reilly's point, the kick out by Ben Jacobs was deemed illegal and a ball-up was called for, stopping Port from launching a last attack.
After all matches were shortened due to the threat of extreme heat, light rain ironically proved the hazard, with both sides struggling to control a slippery ball.
Adelaide's desire for a tougher brand of football was evident from the first play of the match, with debutant Sam Shaw hurling himself into oncoming traffic and Rory Sloane leading from the front, racking up seven first-half disposals.
New to Adelaide's leadership group in 2012, Sloane booted the game's first goal after a hard spoil in the goal square.
The Power introduced Jay Schulz for his first taste of AFL football in 2012 and the he quickly made his mark, kicking truly after a superb Hamish Hartlett inside-50.
Mature aged rookie Tim McIntyre kicked his first goal at the top level to put the Crows back in front, before Schulz was gifted his second after a high tackle straight in front.
Rain continued to fall in the second half and clean possession became rare; eight-second half behinds proof of the testing conditions.
It was a battle of will in the dying minutes, with both clubs having opportunities to push ahead, but it was the Crows who confined play to within their half; the siren sounding with the ball on their forward 50.
Sloane showed he's ready to take the next step in his career, finishing the match with 12 disposals and a goal while McIntyre pushed his case for a round one AFL debut with a solid display including seven touches to go with his goal.
For the Power, Hamish Hartlett managed 11 disposals in an impressive display, while Jay Schulz and Daniel Stewart fired up forward.
Brad Ebert and Robbie Gray found their fair share of the ball, as did Travis Boak.
ADELAIDE 0.2.2 0.2.6 (18)
PORT ADELAIDE 0.2.1 0.2.5 (17)
GOALS
Adelaide: Sloane, McIntyre
Port Adelaide: Schulz 2
BEST
Adelaide: Sloane, McIntyre, Petrenko, Tippett, Jacobs, van Berlo
Port Adelaide: Hartlett, Schulz, Boak, Pearce, Chaplin, Stewart
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Port Adelaide: Nil
Reports: Nil
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
