New Crow Jackson Hately isn’t shying away from the challenge of this weekend’s practice match against the Power. 

The 20-year-old looked strong during the Club’s internal trial on Saturday with a convincing run against Adelaide’s veteran mids. 

“It’s a strong midfield as a whole, we’ve got Sloaney (Rory Sloane), Crouchy (Matt Crouch), Lairdy (Rory Laird) - three All Australians - and the young boys coming through,” he said. 

“We’re constantly learning from (the older boys)... it was really positive.”

Hately impressed Senior Coach Matthew Nicks with his inside work and contest around the ball, but said he was prepared to keep fighting for his position. 

“Whenever there’s a competition for spots it’s healthy for the list,” he said. 

“I’ve been doing all my work as an inside midfielder so that’s definitely a spot that I want to play.

“I’m definitely getting better each week and learning off those guys.”

Born in Canberra but raised in Adelaide, the former Central District SANFL star knows just how intense the Crows-Power contest can be. 

“You hear about it from the outside and watch it on TV growing up… it probably is the fiercest rivalry (in the league),” Hately said. 

“The Showdown is the game you want to be involved in and that’s the game that everyone turns to watch.”

The midfielder said the side had a key goal ahead of the weekend: keep building. 

“Port are obviously a really strong outfit… anytime you want to challenge yourself against some really good players is a positive,” he said. 

Crows fans will have the opportunity to watch Adelaide take on Port Adelaide in a practice match this Saturday with a live stream to be broadcast on afc.com.au and the Adelaide Crows Official App.

The Crows and Power will also clash in a SANFL practice match commencing at 8.30am ACDT.