ADELAIDE'S big guns are back with a vengeance as the Crows took the first step to making amends for their forgettable 2018 campaign.

While it's only a pre-season game, the Crows will be encouraged with the performances of their established stars in their 17-point JLT Community Series win against Port Adelaide in Port Pirie on Saturday.

The biggest concern for the Power is a potential ankle injury to ruckman Paddy Ryder, who limped from the ground late in the game.

The Crows held off a fast-finishing Power before youngster Chayce Jones sealed the result – 16.10 (106) to 14.5 (89).

CROWS SMOKE POWER Full match coverage and stats

Played in stifling 41-degree heat, Crows midfielders Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch and co-captain Rory Sloane were dominant, veteran forward Eddie Betts booted four goals, Tom Doedee's defensive work was first-class and Brodie Smith, Wayne Milera and All-Australian Rory Laird rebounded strongly out of the back half.

Brad Crouch and Smith are like new recruits for the Crows after playing just two games combined last year due to injury.

Sloane also missed significant time with a foot injury as the Crows went from grand finallists in 2017 to finishing 12th last year.

Betts continued his resurgence, the 32-year-old back in form after kicking just 29 goals last season.

ANKLE SCARE Hinkley downplays Ryder injury

For the Power, exciting youngster Zak Butters pressed his claims for round one selection with an outstanding performance through the midfield and half-forward.

Utility Jack Watts got involved in the game in his new role across half-back, midfielder Willem Drew built on his strong game from last week to push his case for a senior debut and former Brisbane winger Sam Mayes was handy in front of his home-town supporters.

The Crows led by 35 points in the last quarter before the Power booted five goals in a row to set up an exciting finish.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Adelaide: This is going to be a tough side to break into. Midfielder/small forward Chayce Jones – the No.9 overall pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft – was the only player in the 26-man squad yet to play senior football. Jones had limited opportunities, with the 19-year-old only playing 35 per cent of game time. With almost a full list to pick from, the Crows have established stars across every line and are going to be hard to beat.

'WE FOUND OUR WAY IN TRYING CONDITIONS' Watch full Don Pyke media conference

Port Adelaide: The Power's willingness to play on at every opportunity was evident. They were more direct and kicked to more one-on-one contests. The Power will be pleased with how they finished off the game. Jack Watts did some nice things across halfback and could have found his role, along with spending time on a wing. Brad Ebert looked comfortable as a forward, kicking two goals, while Zak Butters all but locked in a round one spot. 

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NEW FACES

Adelaide: The Crows used the opening JLT Community Series game to play their strongest team possible, which meant there wasn't much room for their draftees or new additions Tyson Stengle or Shane McAdam. Midfielder/forward Chayce Jones was the exception, the 19-year-old having seven disposals and kicking a goal in 35 per cent of game time.  Jones is a talent for the future. However, he will likely need to develop his game in the SANFL at the start of the season.

Port Adelaide: Zak Butters was the standout, the No. 12 overall pick at last year's draft all but locking in his spot for the Power's round one side with 25 disposals at 72 per cent efficiency. Fellow first-round draft picks Connor Rozee (six disposals, two goals) and Xavier Duursma (nine disposals, one goal) showed glimpses of their potential. Former Hawthorn defender Ryan Burton was solid across half-back with 17 touches, Sam Mayes (16 disposals) was handy on a wing and Scott Lycett worked strongly in the ruck against Sam Jacobs.

FANTASY WATCH

Ryan Burton (DEF, $450,000) boosted his numbers by playing on several times when he took the kick-ins for the Power. Keep an eye on the former Hawk as the pre-season competition continues.

NEXT UP

The Crows have a six-day turnaround for an interstate encounter with the Giants in Canberra on Friday night. Port Adelaide has a much shorter trip, returning to Alberton to host the Kangaroos on Saturday.

ADELAIDE                   4.1       10.7     13.9     16.10 (106)
PORT ADELAIDE         5.1       7.3       9.4       14.5 (89)

GOALS
Adelaide: Betts 4, Knight 2, Lynch 2, Fogarty 2, B.Crouch, Seedsman, Milera, Atkins, Walker, Jones
Port Adelaide: Westhoff 2, Motlop 2, Ebert 2, Rozee 2, Mayes, Boak, Amon, Drew, Ryder, Duursma

BEST 
Adelaide: M.Crouch, Doedee, B.Crouch, Sloane, Betts, Laird
Port Adelaide: Boak, Butters, Watts, Houston, Drew, Powell-Pepper

INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Port Adelaide: Paddy Ryder (ankle)  

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Fisher, Fleer, Mitchell, Wallace

Official crowd: 5482 at Memorial Oval, Port Pirie.