The Crows' star forwardline got the better of the Brisbane Lions who were defeated by 39 points at Hickinbotham Oval on Saturday.

The Crows jumped Brisbane early, booting six of the initial eight goals to create a lead which the Lions tried hard to beat.

Josh Jenkins (five goals including a supergoal), captain Taylor Walker (four), Mitch McGovern (four) and Eddie Betts (three) were dangerous in the final JLT Community Series 

The two Rory's – Atkins and Laird – found plenty of the footy with 30 possessions each, while Richard Douglas was busy in his new role across half-back with 27 touches.

Despite the end result, the Lions won't be too disappointed against one of the premiership contenders.

"There is lots to be positive about, good fight in the last quarter, some good footy in the first half, but we're all about getting better and rising as a footy club and I thought there were some great signs today," Lions coach Chris Fagan said.

"We were pretty happy with our pressure in the first half, dropped away significantly in the third and came back a bit in the last.

"We can see our players are starting to understand the way we want them to play."

Skipper Dayne Beams was everywhere, picking up a game-high 35 possessions.

Ruckman Stefan Martin turned out a dominant performance around the ground.

Martin capped his game off with a supergoal - he also recorded 41 hit-outs and 19 disposals in a personal duel with Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs, who had 34 hitouts.

Meanwhile defender Darcy Gardiner shut down Betts for the first three quarters.

Daniel Rich was also influential with 20 possessions and two goals, Tom Rockliff (20 possessions), Sam Mayes (19) and Ryan Lester (19) found the ball, and emerging forwards Eric Hipwood and Matthew Hammelmann both kicked two majors.

Defence was a low priority with 37 goals kicked between the two teams as the Crows emerged on top 1.20.13 (142) to 1.15.4 (103).

The Lions take on Queensland rivals Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in their season opener.

WHAT WE LEARNED


Adelaide: The Crows' forward line is going to be as dangerous as ever this season. Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins and Mitch McGovern feasted on terrific service from the midfield and ran over a youthful Lions' backline. McGovern's marking ability inside the forward 50 is going to provide a match-up nightmare for opposition teams.

Brisbane Lions: After a forgettable 2016, ruckman Stefan Martin could be one of the dominant big men in the competition. He was brilliant around the ground, racking up plenty of disposals and dominating his ruck duels with Sam Jacobs. The Lions are yet to decide whether he plays as a solo ruck or they have a tandem with Archie Smith.

NEW FACES


Adelaide: Defender Jake Kelly put his hand up as a surprise candidate for a spot in Adelaide's backline with a strong game. Kelly had 16 possessions and took seven marks in an impressive display. It will likely be a choice between him, Andy Otten and Kyle Cheney for the final place in the Crows' side to face Greater Western Sydney. Curtly Hampton again pressed his claims for a midfield berth, while first-year player Jordan Gallucci was quiet.

Brisbane Lions: Debutant Cedric Cox had quite the initiation to the big time, getting bumped off the ball by Eddie Betts in his first involvement in the game. Cox – the No.24 overall pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft – worked his way into the game after that in defence. Swingman Daniel McStay was a little bit rusty in his first game since a serious ankle injury in round 17 last year, but will be better for the run. GWS recruit Jake Barrett had another solid game with 15 touches. 

ADELAIDE 0.6.1 0.13.5 0.17.10 1.20.13 (142)
BRISBANE LIONS 0.3.0 0.9.1 1.9.2 1.15.4 (103)

SUPERGOALS
Adelaide: Jenkins
Brisbane Lions: Martin

GOALS
Adelaide: Jenkins 4, McGovern 4, Walker 3, Betts, 3, Douglas 2, Menzel, Atkins, Laird, Lynch
Brisbane Lions: Bell 3, Rich 2, Hipwood 2, Hammelmann 2, Lester, Beams, Robinson, Taylor, Cox, Barrett

BEST
Adelaide: Laird, Walker, Hampton, McGovern, Otten, Atkins
Brisbane Lions: Beams, Martin, Gardiner, Robertson, Bell

INJURIES

Adelaide: Riley Knight (Achilles) was replaced in squad by Hugh Greenwood
Brisbane Lions: None

Reports: None

Umpires: Rosebury, Deboy, Hosking

Official crowd: 4350 at Hickinbotham Oval

Watch: Fagan post-match