IT’S TAKEN 16 weeks, but Crows recruit Brad Moran has finally started to make his mark at West Lakes.

Moran, who started his career with North Melbourne, played his first game in the tri-colours on Sunday and showed glimpses of why the Crows were so keen to lure him away from Arden Street.

The 21-year-old finished with modest stats in just his fourth AFL game, finishing with seven touches and 10 hit-outs, but the undeniable highlight of his performance was his strong marking ability.

Moran took an equal-game-high three contested marks, which included one on the goal line and resulted in a scoring opportunity.

The Queenslander described his first game with his new club as “pleasing” and was hopeful of retaining his place in the side this week.

“I thought I made some good contributions,” Moran said.

“But there’s still plenty of stuff to work on and I look forward to this weekend and working on the things I need to do.”

Moran was a surprise inclusion for Showdown XXV after being chosen ahead of fellow big men Ken McGregor, Nick Gill and Taylor Walker.

The agile 199cm, 99kg, athlete played at both ends of the ground, as well as in the ruck, and was confident his versatility would bode well for him at the selection table in the future.

“Considering the wet weather conditions on Sunday, I was maybe slightly surprised to get the call-up, but I think [me being able to] play forward, back and in the ruck gave the coaches the flexibility to play me wherever and that’s what got me into the team,” he said.

“I think the main key for me at the moment is to stay versatile. To play strong in the ruck and be competitive and also keep my versatility, so I can play down back on a centre-half forward or even a forward if there’s a tall option there.”

Moran has endured a frustrating first nine months in Adelaide with two, unrelated injuries, keeping him sidelined for most of the season.

The former Kangaroo broke his finger playing in a trial game for West Adelaide at the start of the year and then had to overcome a badly strained hamstring on the way to his Crows debut.

“You’re always going to have set backs and this year was one of injury, not so much form,” he said.

“Obviously, it is frustrating to be injured for a large chunk of the season because it starts eating away at your career, but if you keep your head down and keep on track, things turn for you eventually.”