FOUR Crows who played their first game for the club in the victory over Collingwood in Dubai will have no trouble remembering their debut.
James Sellar, troubled throughout his first season at West Lakes by groin soreness, bagged three goals from full forward in an impressive effort.
2007 draftee Jarrah Jacky showed glimpses of the class he has displayed over summer; and Kurt Tippett and David Mackay were excited about their return from serious injuries.
“Yeah, it was amazing, it was a bit of a buzz out there,” 18-year-old Sellar said.
“I didn’t know really what to expect going into it but it was good being up there with blokes like [Brett] Burton, [Simon] Goodwin and [Andrew] McLeod because they look after you.
“The hands were a bit shaky early but the early touches settled the nerves a little bit. The Collingwood boys were getting into me a bit early but I expected that a little bit. But it was certainly a lot quicker and more physical than anything I’ve played before.”
Sellar, Adelaide’s first draft pick in 2006, expects the benefits of the trip to Dubai to linger.
“It’s been amazing … we’ve seen some amazing things. Getting the older guys to mix more with the younger guys … I guess that naturally happens when you are away like this, you have to rely on each other.”
Mackay, also picked by the Crows in the 2006 draft, had his 2007 season ruined by hamstring injuries. He started on the bench on Saturday but once introduced found the ball regularly off half back and a wing.
“It was pretty special,” he said. “I’ve been waiting a fair while now and it was just really surreal early on. I’ve loved it this week, it’s been great, really exciting. Coming together every day has been an experience.
"It’s been challenging in a different environment but I think the boys have handled it really well and stuck together. We are building a pretty good group.”
A shoulder reconstruction end Tippett’s 2007 season but he impressed in the ruck and as a forward in the Dubai win.
“It was my first game since May so it was very good to be out there and I enjoyed it thoroughly,” he said.
“I was very keen to get on and get the first touch but once that happens you settle down a bit. It was very fast early. I was happy enough with my game. Taking that mark and kicking that goal – I was pretty happy about that.”
Jacky, 18, came off the bench as a small forward.
“It was just so quick, that was the main thing I noticed,” he said. “It was great to play and it’s been a fantastic week.”