ADELAIDE is developing a knack for unearthing tough, ready-made small forwards, with 23-year-old Tim McIntyre making an immediate impression on debut on Saturday night.

McIntyre followed in the footsteps of four-time SANFL premiership player and J. J. Liston Trophy-winner Ian Callinan, debuting for the Crows having spent considerable time proving his worth in the state league.

Both players were elevated to Adelaide's senior list this season. Callinan continues to develop, while McIntyre - who played during this season's NAB Cup - shone in his first game for the Crows in Showdown XXXIII.

From the opening bounce he looked at ease with the pace and intensity of AFL football, even slotting a goal with his first kick.

He faded out of the game, but there was enough to suggest Adelaide had exposed another small forward who could make the leap from the SANFL to the AFL.

Crows skipper Nathan van Berlo said the key to the instant success of both players was their work rate off the field.

"What I've noticed with Tim and Ian this year, but not only this year, the way they go about their business at the footy club, the way that they train and how much they want it, is a credit to them," the skipper said.

"You could see it the minute they got here how hungry they were to play an AFL game.

"It's a good lesson for a lot of the younger guys that come in, they see older guys that are just so desperate to play and when they get their opportunity they certainly relish it.

"We didn't have Ian out there [on Saturday night] but then Timmy comes in and stands up, so it's another great story for our recruiters and them as well, I'm sure they're over the moon to be able to play AFL footy."

McIntyre exploded out of the blocks in the first quarter and was arguably the best player on the ground at the first change.

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson acknowledged the first-gamer's presence up forward, likening his ability to command the ball in attack to cult hero Jason Porplyzia.

"He gave us a real spark early ... he's like a mini Porplyzia," Sanderson said.

"He can be a target forward for us and he can also put on defensive pressure so I thought he was fantastic.

"I know he didn't get a lot of the ball, but he pressured every time the opposition had it.

"He's had to wait longer than the average recruit to get his first game, so I'm sure when it soaks in he'll be absolutely thrilled."

Meanwhile, Adelaide confirmed emerging big man Shaun McKernan suffered an undisplaced fracture in his jaw during the win against Port.

Crows football operations manager Phil Harper said it was too early to predict how long the 21-year-old forward/ruckman would be sidelined.

"The doctors will meet on Monday and decide on the course of action from here," he said.

Harry Thring covers Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs