February 1, 1991: Adelaide’s first trial game against an AFL rival created hype at a level usually reserved for grand finals.

“Heroes” was the banner headline on the front page of the Sunday Mail, which produced a souvenir wrap-around to mark Adelaide’s 27-point win over 1990 grand finalists Essendon under lights at Football Park.

Thousands of South Australian fans headed to West Lakes to watch the Crows play for the first time and most didn’t know what to expect. Although many gave up or were caught in traffic jams, about 45,000 people witnessed a historic moment for the new club.

A Crows ‘B’ team thrashed new SANFL cub Woodville West Torrens by 63 points in the first game and then any doubts about whether the football public would get behind the Adelaide Football Club evaporated in the main game.

The day after the Club officially announced Toyota Australia as major sponsor, Tony McGuinness, John Klug and David Marshall were listed as best players by the Sunday Mail, and full forward Scott Hodges kicked four goals.

The team named to play Essendon was:

F: Lindsay, Hodges, Fielke. HF: Lindner, Klug, Smart. C: Kelly, Jarman, Marshall. HB: Thompson, Bartlett, Schwerdt. B: Lee, Warhurst, Maynard. R: Negri, McGuinness, D. Hart. Int (from): Smith, Hocking, Rowe, Mickan.

Coach Graham Cornes didn’t get carried away by the win. “Our preparation has been intense and our motivation as obviously much stronger than Essendon’s,” he said. “The support we had from the South Australian football public was just overwhelming. It really is just another step in our preparation.”

Interim board member and chairman of selectors Bob Hammond said: “That was day one - just one in a very long climb.” But years later Hammond, who became Crows chairman, rated the night as significant in winning over the public and sponsors. The win sparked high demand for season tickets and merchandise.

Even Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy was impressed: “They played pretty good footy and they were committed. And they handpassed that quick I thought they had slingshots.”

This year the Adelaide Football Club celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first AFL game for premiership points when it plays Hawthorn in the opening round - two decades after the Crows thumped Hawthorn by 86 points at Football Park.

For the next few months www.afc.com.au will run regular features highlighting the main footy news events from 20 years ago.