Adelaide can take plenty out of its final pre-season hit-out according to Coaching Director Murray Davis, despite going down to Fremantle by 16 points at Mandurah's Rushton Park on Saturday.

While the Crows built a 12-point lead in the final term, Fremantle hit back to prevail 12.12 (84) to 9.14 (68).

The Crows were kicking with a strong wind in the first term, highlighted by a 65m goal from draftee Mitchell Marsh as the visitors entered the first break with a nine-point lead, following goals from key pair Jordan Dawson and Darcy Fogarty. 

It was the Dockers' turn to utilise the breeze in the second quarter and Jordan Clark launched a kick-in past the centre circle, with Hayden Young then delivering inside-50 to Jye Amiss for a rapid coast-to-coast goal. 

The third quarter started as an arm wrestle, before the Crows got on top and started winning the critical contests, going on a four-goal run as Josh Rachele lifted his output in the midfield and kicked a 50m goal. 

Brayden Cook extended the Crows' lead to 12 points early in the fourth quarter, but Fremantle rallied on the back of its captain for the day, Josh Treacy, kicking five unanswered goals with the breeze to put the final touches on a strong pre-season. 

Davis said he was pleased with the players' grit, after the game was not always on their terms.

"I felt we found out a lot about our group in preparation for Round One, that's what these games are important for," Davis said.

"I liked our fight, we never gave up, there were challenges during the game, but the lads' intent to fight it out was really pleasing."

Adelaide was without a number of players, including star forward Riley Thilthorpe who was withdrawn from the match late with back soreness.

Davis said the Club was taking a "no risk" policy with Thilthorpe with a fortnight to go before Round One.

"He was here (in WA) so the intention was for him to play, but he woke up a little bit sore, so we went the conservative option and decided to take no risk with Riley," Davis said.

"We expect he will be fine, we'll get him back to Adelaide and he'll be right for Round One."

Thilthorpe joined midfielders Sam Berry (managed) and James Peatling (ow-grade hamstring), as well as Jake Soligo (heart) on the sidelines.

It did, however, give the Crows a chance to test their depth, which Davis believes will hold the team in good stead this season.

"To have Charlie Edwards through (the middle), and Toby Murray playing through there as well, Billy Dowling - we had a number of guys who hadn't played a lot of senior footy, and it's good to have depth," Davis said.

"That's one of the most pleasing things off the back of injuries... the fact you get to have a look at a few of those guys and show they are more than capable to build depth is really important."

Adelaide will now look towards its Round One game against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, March 14.

SCOREBOARD

FREMANTLE                      3.1   6.7   7.10   12.12 (84)

ADELAIDE                            4.4   4.8   8.10   9.14 (68)  

GOALS 

Fremantle: Treacy 5, Amiss, Bolton, Clark, Frederick, Jackson, Murray, Voss.

Adelaide: Pedlar 3, Cook, Dawson, Fogarty, Keays, Marsh, Rachele.

BEST

Fremantle: Reid, Treacy, Jackson, Young, Serong, Clark, Cox.

Adelaide: Pedlar, Rachele, Milera, Dawson, Laird, Worrell.