ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig has praised his team’s attitude in Saturday’s emphatic win over a depleted Hawthorn in Berri.

Both sides went into the first break goalless after a tight opening 20 minutes, but the Crows pulled away, kicking 10 of the next 12 goals.

Craig’s charges led by 53 points at the final change and cast aside last week’s fourth-quarter capitulation in Alice Springs to run out 67-point victors.

"I really enjoyed the attitude of the players and the energy they played with,” Craig said.

“We spoke about that in yesterday's meeting and that was very important for us because of our last quarter against West Coast last week.”
 
The Crows rested eight first-choice players, including skipper Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards and Andrew McLeod in reaction to the undermanned Hawks side, which included just one 2008 premiership player.

Adelaide, as expected, proved too big, too strong and far too good for the young Hawthorn team but Craig was pleased with his side’s effort regardless of the quality of opposition.

"Hawthorn had a lot of young kids in their side, I appreciate that, but our ball movement didn't change for that, they (the young players) were still trying to do it,” he said.

"So it's really positive for us, we understand the composition of both teams and what it was for us, but it's been a good week for us.”

Midfielders Bernie Vince and Chris Knights played their best games of the pre-season in the absence of Edwards, Scott Thompson and Michael Doughty.

Kurt Tippett (two goals) made a promising return from a knee injury, Trent Hentschel delighted fans with four goals and several assists, and Taylor Walker showed just why he’s so highly rated at West Lakes with three majors of his own.

Andy Otten and Jared Petrenko were solid in defence and Craig was particularly pleased with the form of James Sellar who looked comfortable at fullback.

"James was there last week and showed some signs and did so again this week, so I was really pleased with him,” Craig said.

“We know Ben Rutten will be our fullback when he comes back, but once Ben's not there then all of a sudden James Sellar has put his hand up that he would be a legitimate selection in that position.

“He's still learning it, but he's clean, got a good football brain and I was really pleased with what he did.”

Rutten is one week from away from playing after undergoing an arthroscopy on his knee, but Craig said Thompson, Doughty, McLeod, Edwards, Goodwin and Scott Stevens would all be available to tackle the Swans at AAMI Stadium on Friday.

Jason Porplyzia (shoulder) could begin full, competitive training next week, but van Berlo (plantar fascia tear) and Brad Symes (wrist/thumb) are still a few weeks away.