Adelaide’s first-round draft pick Chayce Jones has earned his JLT1 selection thanks to his versatility, said Crows senior assistant Scott Camporeale.

Jones was the only Crow from last year’s draft crop to make the 26-man squad selected to face Port Adelaide in Port Pirie on Saturday, in the Club’s first match of the JLT Community Series.

Camporeale said Jones has impressed the coaching staff in training and deserved his opportunity.

“He’s come in and done some really good things since he’s been here,” Camporeale said.

“He can play a bit of midfield, bit of wing, bit of forward. We’re pleased with how he’s progressed.”

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Adelaide named a strong side for the pre-season opener, led by co-captains Rory Sloane and Taylor Walker.

As for the players who did not make the cut, Camporeale said it was the result of having an almost completely healthy list.

“From a coaching perspective, it was hard to pick just 26 guys, because arguably there’s probably 31/32 guys that legitimately deserve to play,” he said.

“At training yesterday, we had 43 guys our of 45 out on the track so we’ve got a really healthy list and all the guys putting their hands up to play have had really strong pre-seasons.

“It’s tough for the guys who miss out, we’d like to play all of them, but with 26 some have to miss.” 

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Camporeale felt it was unlucky for trade recruits Shane McAdam and Tyson Stengle to miss out on selection.

“They couldn’t have done much more kicking three and four goals but we’ve got a pretty quality forward line, which is hard to break in to,” he said.

“We expect them to put their best for forward over the next couple of weeks.”

Camporeale said although the Crows would be looking to win, the focus would remain on the regular season.

“We’ll be trying to win, no doubt, we always try and win, but the eyes are on Round One.”