Coach Brenton Sanderson says there are half-a-dozen spots still up for grabs as Adelaide tinkers with its best side for Round One.

The Crows fielded 26 players in their win over Carlton on Monday night, not including recruit Eddie Betts, talented midfielder Brad Crouch, 2013 leading goalkicker Tom Lynch and defensive duo Brent Reilly and Rory Laird, who could all be available for the Club’s season-opener against Geelong.

Shaun McKernan (three goals), Josh Jenkins (two) and James Podsiadly, who kicked the first goal of the game before sustaining a corked hip, continued their battle for the key forward posts. Third-year utility Cam Ellis-Yolmen did some nice things at both ends of the ground, and Matthew Jaensch and Sam Shaw found plenty of the ball in defence. In-form ball winner Jason Porplyzia finished with 21 possessions, seven tackles and 1.2, and Sam Kerridge, Mitch Grigg, Matt Crouch, Jarryd Lyons and Brodie Martin all had their moments in the auditions for midfield/half-forward roles. Jared Petrenko, who kicked a brilliant boundary line goal, provided a spark when he was substituted into the game.

“You need competition for spots to get the best out of individuals. We’ll pick the best team available for Round One, and in some of those roles it’ll come down purely to form,” Sanderson said.

“Some of the guys you can write in pen straight away … like some of the guys through our midfield. But I think there’s healthy competition through most areas. There are probably 12-13 guys who have locked away a role for Round One, the rest will be up to training and match form.

“Cam Ellis-Yolmen (impressed) and Scotty Thompson was back to really good form in the first game we’ve seen from him this year. He looked really sharp. Matty Wright put in another good game.

“From what we’ve seen, our senior guys are in form and we’ve seen some young kids step up in patches as well. There are some young kids that will be knocking down the door early in the season, so our senior guys will have to play well.”

Wright continued his impressive return to form on Monday night, amassing a team-high 29 possessions, five clearances, five tackles and four inside 50ms.

“2012 was fantastic for Matty Wright. He burst out and had a fantastic, dominant season. At different times last year, he showed us that form again but there were inconsistencies,” Sanderson said.

“His first two NAB Challenge games have been fantastic. He had 35 last week and another 29 tonight. He’s one who is really fighting to establish himself again in that midfield.”

The first half at Etihad Stadium was forgettable, with both teams struggling to hit targets.

The Crows settled after the main break. They still trailed by a point at three-quarter time, but kicked six unanswered goals in the final term to storm to a 38-point win.

“My messaging (to the players) at half time was, ‘the good news is that’s almost as bad as I’ve seen us play and we’re only a goal or so behind’,” Sanderson said.

“The first half was as scrappy a game of footy that I’ve seen in a long time. I’m sure most people would’ve switched off or put something else on if they were watching at home.

“From our point of view, we were much better in the second half. It was good to see us tackle well and win some clearances. I think we were plus-13 in contested ball in the last quarter as well.

“The scoreboard doesn’t really matter in these games, but I think we saw the energy and determination. To win tackles (85-75), contested ball (157-149) and clearances comprehensively (50-34) is a good sign from a young group.

“We didn’t flirt with our form after half time and really put the foot down.”

The Crows will now turn their attention to a trial game against Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on Friday, March 7 (1:30pm).

Podsiadly, who was subbed out with a corked hip on Monday night, will be available for the match, which will be Adelaide’s final dress rehearsal ahead of Round One.

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