Tom Lynch, the Crows' leading goalkicker last year, suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder two weeks before they start their season against the Cats in Geelong. Andy Otten jarred a knee, Sam Shaw suffered hamstring tightness and Richard Douglas had a groin problem, leaving Adelaide with one fresh man on the bench after halftime.
The final two quarters were then reduced to attempts to limit the carnage, with GWS spearhead Jeremy Cameron also seen with ice on his ankle at halftime.
The Giants had most of the running in the first term, but five goals to nil in the second quarter set-up Adelaide's 12.10 (82) to 11.8 (74) triumph that completed an unbeaten pre-season.
Brodie Martin kicked three goals for the Crows, while Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Matthew Jaensch were all in excellent touch.
No.2 draft pick Josh Kelly pushed his claims for a round one berth against the Sydney Swans with a polished display for GWS, supported by Callan Ward and Lachie Whitfield, while Will Hoskin-Elliott kicked two second-half goals. GWS recruits Shane Mumford and Josh Hunt were rested, along with Adam Treloar, but there was still some outstanding talent on display.
The Giants had no less than four No.1 draft picks in their line-up – Tom Scully, Jonathon Patton, Whitfield and Tom Boyd, who made his senior debut and spent most of his game time in the ruck.
Adelaide also gave some more playing time to its newcomers James Podsiadly (two goals) and Eddie Betts (one), who both had their moments up front.
Dangerfield kicked the game's opening goal after three minutes, before GWS responded with four straight to take an early 17-point lead.
The Crows were then guilty of some missed opportunities until Patton's contested mark and set shot gave the Giants a nine-point edge at quarter-time. Adelaide then put its foot down to hold sway for most of the ensuing three quarters, but there were good signs for both teams ahead of the new season, injuries aside.
MATCH DETAILS
ADELAIDE 3.5 8.8 11.10 12.10 (82)
GWS 5.2 5.5 7.7 11.8 (74)
GOALS Adelaide: Martin 3, Podsiadly 2, Dangerfield 2, Douglas, McKernan, Lyons, Jacobs, Betts
Greater Western Sydney: Hoskin-Elliott 2, Whitfield, Addison, Ward, Kelly, Patton, Boyd, Shiel, Coniglio, Lamb
BEST Adelaide: Dangerfield, Jaensch, Thompson, Martin, Jacobs, Mackay
Greater Western Sydney: Kelly, Ward, Whitfield, Haynes, Patton, Palmer
INJURIES Adelaide: Lynch (shoulder), Otten (knee), Shaw (hamstring), Douglas (groin) Greater Western Sydney: Cameron (ankle)
Reports: Nil Umpires: Chamberlain, Armstrong, Hayes, Burgess
Twitter: @AFL_JD http://afl.to/jamesdampney
