ADELAIDE forward Shaun McKernan has an opportunity to cement himself in the Crows' forward line after taking his chance in Monday night's 38-point NAB Challenge win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
McKernan started as a substitute but helped turn the game in Adelaide's favour after half-time, kicking three goals and supporting Sam Jacobs in the ruck.
After playing nine games in 2013 and considering a move back to Victoria during the exchange period, the 23-year-old signed a one-year deal with Crows and is entering a crucial season in terms of his career.
Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said McKernan had reached a new level against Carlton on Monday night.
"That's probably as good a game as I've seen him play even though he was on shortened game time," Sanderson said.
"His energy was fantastic. He gave us something around stoppages and clearances and then he kicked three goals for us."
With star forward Taylor Walker confident he can return to senior football by round five, the opening to the season will be crucial for McKernan and fellow key forwards James Podsiadly and Josh Jenkins as they battle for selection.
Podsiadly was substituted on Monday night with a hip injury but is expected to be available for the Crows' practice match against Greater Western Sydney.
Jenkins, meanwhile, booted two goals and was impressive for periods.
"You need competition for spots to get the best out of individuals and we'll certainly pick our best team available in round one … for some of those roles that'll come down purely to form," Sanderson said.
"We told our players that we wanted to get in winning form, make winning a habit and ensure that we don't flirt with our form going into the start of the season."
Sanderson said the opening half of Monday night's match was "almost as bad as I've seen us play", with both sides making repeated errors.
The Crows entered the main break eight points behind but kicked 10 goals to four in the second half to round out their NAB Challenge campaign with a big win.
"All we needed to do was reset, and that's what good clubs do, that's what good players do, " Sanderson said.
