In isolation a scoreline that saw Adelaide defeat the West Coast Eagles by 67 points could be construed as major source of concern as the opening of the 2024 season looms.

Yes, there was significantly more for Adelaide to be pleased about in a 17.15 (117) to 7.8 (50) victory at Hisense Stadium today.

The Crows were cleaner with their ball use, their connection to their forwards was superior and they were able to often thwart the Eagles as they looked to transition out of the back half.

But these two clubs are in contrasting situations and are “chasing” different things. The Crows are hunting a place in the top eight having been cruelly denied the opportunity last season.

The Eagles are searching for incremental improvement and found some positives in this defeat at the home base of SANFL club West Adelaide in a pre-season AAMI Community Series match.

These were some of the highlights:

• Jeremy McGovern slotted into defence and was outstanding, providing his trademark aerial dominance before sitting out the last quarter as part of a pre-determined plan.
• At the other end of the ground Jack Darling resumed from a hamstring strain and kicked two goals. The forward line will look more threatening when Oscar Allen resumes after being managed and rested for this game.
• Tim Kelly was clearly the Eagles best and in conjunction with Elliot Yeo led from the front in the middle.
• Exciting No.1 draft selection Harley Reid had 20 possessions playing midfield and half-back and continued his build towards round one.
• Other youngsters Campbell Chesser, Luke Edwards, Loch Rawlinson and Noah Long worked their way into the game and impacted more the further the game progressed.
• The Eagles are wanting to play more football in their front half. Until three quarter time, when McGovern, Jake Waterman, Liam Duggan, Kelly (Iate) and Witherden were rested, the inside 50 differential was minimal.

Clearly there is work to be done, but Allen and Reuben Ginbey are expected to be available for the season opener and others like Liam Ryan, Jai Culley, Tyler Brockman and youngster Clay Hall all making progress there some green shoots.

Adelaide                             4.0         7.5         14.7       17.15     117
West Coast Eagles            1.0         3.2         6.6           7.8         50

Goals – Adelaide: Rankine 4; Rachelle 3; Berry, Murphy, Walker 2; Keays, Pedlar, Scholl.

West Coast Eagles:  Darling, Petruccelle 2; Edwards, Kelly, Waterman.

Best – Adelaide: Rankine, Dawson, O’Brien, Millera, Worrell, Crouch.

West Coast Eagles: Kelly, McGovern, Yeo, Darling, Petruccelle, Reid, Barrass.