Pre-season games, AFL | Adelaide Football Club

The pre-season agenda for AFL clubs has changed significantly since Adelaide entered the national league in 1991.

In the first few seasons, the summer schedule included a series of internal trial games, practice games against opposition sides, plus the official pre-season competition with varying levels of competitiveness.

Three decades later, all clubs include regular internal games at training but are limited to one “match simulation” against AFL opposition and then one official practice game leading into the regular season.

From 1991 to 2013 – when the pre-season competition finished with a grand final – Adelaide played 61 official games for 37 wins. Two of these games were played overseas, in New Zealand and the UAE. The Crows played in six grand finals, winning the title twice (in 2003 and 2012).

Rules were regularly changed and tested, ‘super’ goals introduced and the competition format switched from knock-out to round-robin and then back to knock-out. There were even a couple of years of mini-games played between three teams on the same day at the same venue, as the first stage of the Cup competition.

Tyson Edwards and Nigel Smart hold the Club record for the most official pre-season games (32).

A separate Lightning Premiership was held in 1996 and AFLX arrived in 2018, with short games played on small rectangular fields using a silver football. Adelaide won its six-team pool.

Below is a year-by-year collection of Adelaide’s pre-season games against opposition.

Darel Hart, Bruce Lindner and Scott Hodges celebrate a goal in Adelaide’s first official pre-season game, against Geelong at Football Park in February 1991

Bruce Lindsay sends the Crows forward in the 1991 Foster’s Cup game against St Kilda.

Shaun Rehn of the Crows takes a mark during the 1995 AFL Ansett Cup Grand Final between North Melbourne and the Adelaide Crows at Waverley Park.

Nigel Smart of the Crows flies high for a mark during the 1999 AFL Ansett Cup match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Adelaide Crows at Waverley Park in Melbourne.

Rhett Biglands #35 for of the Crows tackles St Kilda’s Heath Black during the round one Wizard Cup match between between the Adelaide Crows and the St Kilda Saints at AAMI Stadium February 22, 2004

David Pittman of the Crows and Scott Wynd of the Bulldogs contests for the ball during the 1999 round 1 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Western Bulldogs at Football Park.

Mark Ricciuto of the Crows is tackled by Jason Torney of the Tigers during the AFL Wizard Cup Semi Final between the Richmond Tigers and the Adelaide Crows at the Colonial Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on March 8, 2002.

Chris Ladhams of the Crows is congratulated by team mates for kicking the winning goal after the 2003 round one Wizard Cup AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Football Park on February 22, 2003.

Simon Goodwin of Adelaide in action during the AFL NAB Challenge match between the Adelaide Crows and the Melbourne Demons at Elizabeth in 2010.

Kane Johnson of the Crows gets tackled by Brad Scott #5 of the Lions during the Wizard Cup AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at the Gabba February 16, 2002 in Brisbane

Nathan Brown of Collingwood and Shaun McKernan of Adelaide contest a mark during the 2010 AFL NAB Challenge match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Adelaide Crows at Traeger Park, Alice Springs.

Matthew Richardson of the Tigers is taken down by Rhett Biglands of the Crows during the AFL Wizard Cup Semi Final between the Richmond Tigers and the Adelaide Crows at the Colonial Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on March 8, 2002.

Ryan O’Connor #16 of Sydney fly for the mark against Shaun Rehn of Adelaide during the AFL practice match between the Sydney Swans and the Adelaide Crows at the Griffith Oval in Griffith on February 19, 2000.

Michael Voss of Brisbane is pushed off the ball by Simon Goodwin of Adelaide during the AFL Ansett Cup match between the Adelaide Crows and the Brisbane Lions at the Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand on February 17, 2001.

James Rowe of the Crows and Brandon Starcevich of the Lions compete for the ball during the AFL practice match between Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on February 25, 2022 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Trent Hentschel(L) of Adelaide celebrates a goal with Chris Knights and Nanthan Bock during the 2009 round one NAB Cup match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows at the Telstra Dome.

Crows coach Malcolm Blight in the team huddle at the break during 1998 AFL practice match between the Sydney Swans and the Adelaide Crows at Campbelltown.

Ben Keays of the Crows handballs during the AFL Practice Match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Alberton Oval on February 27, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Trent Hentschel of the Crows in action during the round one NAB Cup match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at AAMI Stadium February 26, 2006 in Adelaide, Australia.

Chris Knights in the match between Adelaide Crows and SANFL Club Norwood, at Norwood Oval in Adelaide, February 16, 2007. Photo: Jamie McDonald/AFL Photos.

Jordon Butts of the Crows during a 2020 U23 trial match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Thebarton Oval on February 29, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Barnes/AFL Photos)

Nathan van Berlo of the Crows in action during the round two NAB Cup match between Hawthorn and the Adelaide Crows at Aurora Stadium March 4, 2006 in Launceston, Australia.

Bernie Vince for Adelaide in action during the NAB Cup Grand Final between the Adelaide Crows and Geelong Cats at AAMI Stadium March 18, 2006 in Adelaide.

Taylor Walker of the Crows during the 2013 NAB Cup round 03 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Carlton Blues at AAMI Stadium, Adelaide. (Photo: AFL Media)

Sam Powell-Pepper of the Power bumps Jordan Dawson of the Crows during an AFL practice match between Port Adelaide Power and Adelaide Crows at Alberton Oval on February 23, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Riley Thilthorpe of the Crows and Sean Darcy of the Dockers contest the ruck during the AFL Match Simulation between the Fremantle Dockers and Adelaide Crows at Victor George Kailis Oval on February 24, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Young Crows fans before the start of the AFLX series at Hindmarsh Stadium on February 15, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images/AFL Media)

Curtly Hampton of the Crows is tackled by Tom Stewart of the Cats during the AFLX grand final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats at Hindmarsh Stadium on February 15, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Kyle Cheney of the Crows poses for a photograph after winning the AFLX grand final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats at Hindmarsh Stadium on February 15, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Jason Porplyzia celebrates with team mates Myke Cook, Richard Tambling and Rory Sloane during the AFL Round NAB Challenge match between the Adelaide Crows and the Fremantle Dockers at Thebarton Oval, Adelaide, in February 2011.

Harry Dear of the Crows (R) celebrates a goal with Curtly Hampton during the JLT Community Series AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium on February 24, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images/AFL Media)

Matthew Jaensch of the Crows flies over Karl Amon of Port during the 2014 NAB Challenge match between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power at Richmond Oval, West Adelaide on February 16, 2014. (Photo: AFL Media)

Carlton’s Dale Thomas competes with Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield during the 2014 NAB Challenge match between the Carlton Blues and the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium on February 24, 2014. (Photo: David Callow/AFL Media)

The Adelaide Crows leave the oval through the crowd during the 2007 AFL NAB Regional Challenge match between the Adelaide Crows and Melbourne in Mt Gambier.

Nick Maxwell of Collingwood and Brett Burton of the Adelaide Crows contest a mark during the NAB Cup Australian rules football match in Gantoot, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Saturday 9th February 2008

Travis Boak captain of Port Adelaide and Rory Sloane of the Adelaide Crows leave ground arm in arm during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power at Memorial Oval in Port Pirie on March 2, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Riley Thilthorpe of the Crows takes a mark during the 2025 AAMI AFL Community Series match between Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows at Brighton Homes Arena on February 27, 2025 in Ipswich, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Cameron Ellis-Yolmen of the Crows is tackled by Nat Fyfe of the Dockers during the AFL 2018 JLT Community Series match between the Adelaide Crows and the Fremantle Dockers at Strathalbyn on February 25, 2018 (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media)

Andy Otten of Adelaide brushes aside Will Schofield of the Eagles during the 2009 NAB Challenge Match between the West Coast Eagles and the Adelaide Crows in Alice Springs.

David Mackay of Adelaide gets his kick away during the 2010 AFL NAB Challenge match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Adelaide Crows at Traeger Park, Alice Springs.

Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield (L) and Tim McIntyre (R) congratulate team mate Ian Callinan during the 2012 NAB Cup Round 02 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Brisbane Lions at Traeger Park, Alice Springs (Photo: David Callow/AFL Media)

Simon Goodwin of Adelaide leaves the podium after winning the Michael Tuck Medal during the 2006 NAB Cup Grand Final between the Adelaide Crows and Geelong Cats at AAMI Stadium on March 18

Eddie Betts, Tom Lynch and Dean Gore of the Crows celebrate a goal during the 2016 NAB Challenge match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at Unley Oval, Adelaide on February 21, 2016. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media)

Eddie Betts of the Crows marks in front of Darcy Gardiner of the Lions during the AFL 2017 JLT Community Series match between the Adelaide Crows and the Brisbane Lions at Noarlunga on March 11, 2017. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media)

Tony Armstrong of Adelaide marks during the 2010 AFL NAB Cup Round 1 match between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power at AAMI Stadium.

Richard Douglas handballs during the NAB Challenge Match between the Adelaide Crows and Hawthorn at Berri in 2009

General view during the 2015 NAB Challenge Week 1 match between the Adelaide Crows and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Centenary Oval, Port Lincoln on March 01, 2015. (Photo: AFL Media)

The Adelaide Crows line up for the National Anthem before the 2012 NAB Cup Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at AAMI Stadium, Adelaide. (Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Jason Porplyzia of the Crows marks the ball over Jared Rivers of the Cats during the 2013 NAB Cup round 2 match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. (Photo: Lachlan Cunningham/AFL Media)

Bryan Beinke for the Crows competes for the ball over Cameron Bruce of the Demons during the 2002 Wizard Cup AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and Melbourne at Football Park in Adelaide on March 3, 2002.

Luke Ball (L) of St Kilda and Bernie Vince of Adelaide search for the ball during the 2008 NAB Cup Grand Final between the Adelaide Crows and St Kilda at AAMI Stadium.

Brett Burton takes a spectacular mark during the 2008 NAB Cup Semi Final between the Adelaide Crows and Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium.

Brad Symes of the Adelaide Crows gets his kick away during the 2008 AFL NAB Cup match between the Adelaide Crows and Collingwood at the Ghantoot Club in Dubai.

Josh Jenkins of the Crows marks the ball over Mitch Duncan of the Cats during the 2013 NAB Cup round 02 match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. (Photo: Lachlan Cunningham/AFL Media)

Crows Captain Nathan Van Berlo with the 2012 NAB Cup and team-mates after victory in the NAB Cup Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at AAMI Stadium, Adelaide. (Photo: AFL Media)

1991

Adelaide tested its foundation training squad with three internal trials in January before its first contest against AFL opposition. Three Foster’s Cup official knock-out pre-season games – Adelaide reached the semi-finals – and one other trial match completed the Crows’ preparation for their first AFL season.

Trial game, February 1

Adelaide 13.14 (92) d Essendon 10.5 (65) at Football Park

Foster’s Cup, February 13

Adelaide 23.18 (156) d Geelong 11.13 (79) at Football Park

Trial game, February 23

Adelaide 14.13 (97) lost to West Coast 24.16 (160) at Bunbury (WA)

Foster’s Cup quarter-final, March 2

Adelaide 12.14 (86) d St Kilda 10.16 (76) at Waverley Park

Foster’s Cup semi-final, March 9

Adelaide 6.9 (45) lost to North Melbourne 15.13 (103) at Waverley Park

1992

Adelaide pushed its squad hard before the 1992 regular season, playing a series of internal trials and practice games against opposition on top of three Foster’s Cup matches, including a semi-final.

Trial game, February 1

Adelaide 18.8 (116) lost to West Coast 20.7 (127) at Football Park

Adelaide ‘B’ 16.14 (110) d Port Adelaide SANFL 11.19 (85) at Football Park

Trial game, February 9

Adelaide 18.12 (120) d Essendon 8.13 (61) at Football Park

Trial game, February 13

Adelaide 13.11 (79) d Norwood SANFL 10.13 (73) at Football Park

Foster’s Cup, February 19

Adelaide 14.6 (90) d Carlton 7.8 (50) at Football Park

Trial game, February 25

Adelaide 17.11 (113) d Collingwood 14.19 (103) at Football Park

Foster’s Cup round two, February 29

Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Footscray 9.7 (61) at Waverley Park

Anthony Modra’s first game for Crows, kicked six goals

Foster’s Cup semi-final, March 6

Adelaide 9.10 (54) lost to Fitzroy 15.15 (105) at Waverley Park

Ben Hart’s first game for Crows

Trial game, March 14

Adelaide 15.12 (102) d Central District SANFL 13.9 (87) at Football Park

1993

Trial game, February 5

Adelaide 8.6 (54) d West Coast 6.13 (49) at Kalgoorlie (WA)

Adelaide ‘B’ 15.12 (102) d South Fremantle 9.13 (67) (WAFL) at Kalgoorlie

Trial game, February 13

Adelaide 14.10 (94) d St Kilda 12.5 (77) at Football Park

Foster’s Cup, February 24

Adelaide 27.21 (183) d North Melbourne 5.6 (36) at Football Park

Record pre-season competition score and margin
Mark Ricciuto played his first Crows game

Foster’s Cup round two, March 7

Adelaide 13.10 (88) lost to Essendon 16.11 (107)

Matthew Robran played first game for Crows

1994

Adelaide reached its first pre-season grand final but went down to Essendon at Waverley Park.

Trial game, February 5

Adelaide 11.7 (73) d Brisbane 8.13 (61) at Coolum, Queensland

Trial game, February 12

Adelaide 16.10 (106) d West Coast 11.12 (78) at Football Park

Foster’s Cup, February 23

Adelaide 17. 17 (119) d West Coast 14.10 (94) after extra time, at Football Park

Foster’s Cup round two, March 2

Adelaide 15.18 (108) d Fitzroy 13.8 (86) at Waverley Park

Foster’s Cup semi-final, March 9

Adelaide 13.11 (89) d Collingwood 7.10 (52) at Waverley Park

Foster’s Cup grand final, March 19

Adelaide 9.14 (68) lost to Essendon 15.12 (102) at Waverley Park

Adelaide’s first opportunity to claim a premiership cup of the pre-season variety fizzled after half-time in the 1994 grand final against Essendon at Waverley Park. Poor finishing by the Crows limited their impact in the first half – Tony Modra kicked 1.4 in the first term – and Essendon led by seven points at half-time. The Bombers controlled the third term to lead by 25 points and then shut down Adelaide’s brief final term surge. Modra finished with 3.4, David Brown kicked two goals, former Bomber Greg Anderson was rated as Adelaide’s best and emerging star Mark Ricciuto collected 23 possessions.

1995

Another positive pre-season, under new coach Robert Shaw, finished in an Ansett Cup grand final loss at Waverley Park, this time to North Melbourne.

Trial game, February 18

Adelaide 8.6 (54) lost to West Coast 11.17 (83) at Margaret River (WA)

Adelaide ‘B’ 16.19 (115) d East Perth 3.4 (22) at Margaret River

Trial game, February 25

Adelaide 19.11 (125) d Melbourne 5.10 (40) at Football Park

Ansett Cup, March 5

Adelaide 23.16 (154) d Geelong 13.15 (93) at Football Park

First official Crows game coached by Shaw

Ansett Cup round two, March 12

Adelaide 14.14 (98) d West Coast 6.11 (47) at Football Park

Ansett Cup semi-final, March 18

Adelaide 18.11 (119) d Sydney 14.7 (91) at Football Park

Ansett Cup grand final, March 25

Adelaide 8.15 (63) lost to North Melbourne 14.9 (93) at Waverley Park

Adelaide’s second crack at a pre-season title ended in a disappointing 30-point loss to North Melbourne. After trailing by 25 points at half-time, the Crows squandered some opportunities when they lifted in the third quarter and were unable to challenge the Roos, led by Michael Tuck Medallist Mick Martyn. Mark Ricciuto was Adelaide’s best with 29 disposals and 13 marks, David Brown and Jason McCartney both kicked two goals, and teenage recruit Andrew McLeod played his first official game for the Crows.

1996

The AFL introduced a carnival to celebrate the centenary of the VFL/AFL, every club playing games at Waverley Park. The shorter games featured some experimental rules, including no boundary throw-ins. For the first time, Adelaide wore a different jumper, featuring a Crow on the front, for trial games and the pre-season competition.

Lightning Premiership Carnival, February 10

Adelaide 6.6 (42) lost to Fremantle 8.7 (55) at Waverley Park

Lightning carnival, loser pool, February 11

Adelaide 7.9 (51) lost to West Coast 9.5 (59) at Waverley Park

Trial game, February 16

Adelaide 16.18 (114) d Footscray 13.8 (86) at Football Park

Ansett Cup, February 23

Adelaide 18.16 (114) d Melbourne 10.5 (65) at Football Park

New training facility and race used for first time

Ansett Cup round two, March 3

Adelaide 11.10 (76) lost to St Kilda 18.11 (119) at Football Park

Trial game, March 16

Adelaide 9.19 (73) d Footscray 10.6 (66) at Waverley Park

Trial game, March 23

Adelaide 14.10 (94) d Hawthorn 8.10 (58) at Moorabbin Oval

1997

Trial game, February 15

Adelaide 12.24 (96) d Essendon 6.18 (54) at Football Park

Ansett Cup, February 21

Adelaide 17.14 (116) d Collingwood 9.8 (62) at Football Park

Malcolm Blight coached Crows for first official time

Ansett Cup round two, March 3

Adelaide 7.10 (52) lost to Geelong 11.14 (80) at Football Park

Trial game, March 15

Adelaide 13.14 (92) lost to Essendon 19.12 (126) at Alice Springs

Trial game, March 22

Adelaide 11.15 (81) d St Kilda 7.15 (57) at Richmond Oval

1998

Trial game, February 14

Adelaide 7.18 (60) lost to Essendon 10.10 (70) at Football Park

Ansett Cup, February 23

Adelaide 17.10 (112) d Richmond 15.18 (108) at Football Park

Ansett Cup quarter-final, March 6

Adelaide 10.10 (70) lost to Brisbane 18.17 (125) at the Gabba

Ansett Cup losers competition, March 14

Adelaide 5.16 (46) lost to Geelong 10.9 (69) at Berri

Ansett Cup losers competition, March 21

Adelaide 5.9 (39) lost to Sydney 12.5 (77) at Macquarie Fields Sydney

1999

Trial game, February 12

Adelaide 11.7 (73) lost to Melbourne 11.12 (78) at Football Park

Ansett Cup, February 19

Adelaide 8.9 (57) lost to Port Adelaide 13.15 (93) at Football Park

Ansett Cup losers competition, February 27

Adelaide 11.12 (78) d Geelong 9.13 (67) at Whyalla

Ansett Cup losers competition, March 6

Adelaide 7.12 (54) lost to Fremantle 13.17 (95) at Subiaco Oval

Ansett Cup losers competition, March 13

Adelaide 8.13 (61) d North Melbourne 6.3 (39) at Penola

2000

The competition changed to a round robin format, with each team playing three games leading to semi-finals for the top ranked teams in the four pools.

Ansett Cup, January 30

Adelaide 17.5 (107) lost to Melbourne 19.11 (125) at Football Park

Ansett Cup round two, February 6

Adelaide 19.10 (124) d Geelong 15.12 (102) at Football Park

Ansett Cup round three, February 13

Adelaide 14.11 (95) lost to St Kilda 15.12 (102) at Football Park

Trial game, February 19

Adelaide 12.10 (82) d Sydney 11.11 (77) at Griffith (NSW)

Trial game, February 27

Adelaide 19.9 (123) d Port Adelaide 16.11 (107) at Encounter Bay

2001

Ansett Cup, February 17

Adelaide 10.13 (73) lost to Brisbane 16.18 (114) at Wellington (New Zealand)

First overseas game for Adelaide

Ansett Cup, February 24

Adelaide 9.12 (66) lost to Carlton 10.12 (72) at Optus Oval

Ansett Cup, March 2

Adelaide 11.11 (77) d Western Bulldogs 9.5 (59) at Football Park

Players observed a minute’s silence to honour the passing of Sir Donald Bradman

Trial game, March 10

Adelaide 14.12 (96) d West Coast 6.10 (46) at Football Park

Trial game, March 17

Adelaide 4.10 (34) lost to St Kilda 11.13 (79) at Port Augusta

2002

There was a new sponsor for the pre-season competition. Adelaide began its campaign with trial matches against SANFL clubs Norwood and Central District to raise funds for the New South Wales bushfire appeal. The Crows won their three pool games in the Wizard Cup but then lost the semi-final.

Trial games, February 8

Adelaide 16.9 (105) d Norwood SANFL 4.4 (28) at Norwood Oval

Adelaide ‘B’ 10.6 (66) d Central District SANFL 3.9 (27) at Norwood Oval

Wizard Home Loans Cup, February 16

Adelaide 14.9 (93) d Brisbane 14.7 (91) at the Gabba

Wizard Home Loans Cup round two, February 24

Adelaide 17.11 (113) d St Kilda 11.11 (77) at Football Park

Wizard Home Loans Cup round three, March 3

Adelaide 22.10 (142) d Melbourne 4.11 (35) at Football Park

Wizard Home Loans Cup semi-final, March 8

Adelaide 9.14 (68) lost to Richmond 16.11 (107) at Docklands

Trial game, March 16

Adelaide 10.14 (74) d Geelong 7.6 (48) at Murray Bridge

2003

The AFL’s pre-season competition returned to the knockout format. A new scoring option was introduced with nine points awarded for “super goals” kicked from outside the 50m arc. Three points were awarded for rushed behinds, creating new look scoreboards with four different scoring options. Adelaide won its way into the grand final and clinched its first pre-season Cup.

Trial games, February 14

Adelaide 18.13 (121) d Norwood 3.3 (21) at Norwood Oval

Adelaide ‘B’ 12.12 (84) d Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL) 7.1 (43) at Norwood Oval

Wizard Home Loans Cup week one, February 22

Adelaide 1.10.0.9 (78) d Port Adelaide 0.11.0.11 (77) at AAMI Stadium (Football Park)

Wizard Home Loans Cup week two, February 28

Adelaide 0.17.0.4 (106) d West Coast 1.10.0.11 (80) at Darwin

Wizard Home Loans Cup semi-final, March 8

Adelaide 1.9.0.10 (73) d North Melbourne 0.10.0.9 (69) at AAMI Stadium

Wizard Home Loans Cup grand final, March 15

Adelaide 2.13.0.8 (104) d Collingwood 1.9.1.7 (93) at Docklands

2004

Trial games, February 13

Adelaide 2.4.16 (118) d Norwood 0.4.4 (28) at Norwood Oval

Adelaide ‘B’ 0.7.3 (45) lost to Glenelg 1.11.8 (83) at Norwood Oval

Wizard Home Loans Cup round one, February 22

Adelaide 1.11.5 (80) lost to St Kilda 1.12.12 (93) at AAMI Stadium

Wizard Home Loans Cup challenge series, February 28

Adelaide 6.9 (45) lost to Fremantle 12.4 (76) at Subiaco Oval

Wizard Home Loans Cup challenge series week two, March 5

Adelaide 17.16 (118) d West Coast 4.6 (30) at AAMI Stadium

Wizard Home Loans Cup challenge series week three, March 13

Adelaide 9.18 (72) d Port Adelaide 10.5 (65) at Kadina

2005

Trial games, February 11

Adelaide 22.15 (147) d Norwood-North 3.4 (22) at Norwood Oval

Adelaide ‘B’ 6.5 (41) d North-Norwood 5.5 (35) at Norwood Oval

Wizard Home Loans Cup, round one

Adelaide 1.7.9 (60) lost to Port Adelaide 0.11.9 (75) at AAMI Stadium

Wizard regional challenge week one, February 26

Adelaide 12.16 (88) d Geelong 13.8 (86) at Port Lincoln

Wizard regional challenge week two, March 4

Adelaide 9.8 (62) d Sydney 8.13 (61) at AAMI Stadium

Wizard regional challenge week three, March 11

Adelaide 12.14 (86) lost to Melbourne 16.15 (111) at Princes Park

2006

There was another sponsor change with NAB taking over the naming rights. Prizemoney was increased with $220,000 on offer for the overall winning club. Adelaide played SANFL club Norwood in a fundraiser for the Crows Foundation.

Trial game, February 16

Adelaide 19.7 (121) d Norwood SANFL 8.7 (55) at Norwood Oval

NAB Cup round one, February 26

Adelaide 2.16.13 (127) d Port Adelaide 0.8.7 (55) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Cup round two, March 4

Adelaide 2.7.11 (71) d Hawthorn 1.7.7 (58) at York Park, Launceston

NAB Cup semi-final, March 10

Adelaide 1.16.21 (129) d Melbourne 1.5.5 (44) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Cup grand final, March 18

Adelaide 1.10.15 (84) lost to Geelong 3.10.5 (92) at AAMI Stadium

A unique pre-season rule proved decisive in a tense finish to the grand final. Crow Robert Shirley’s long-range shot on goal late in the game hit the goal post and went back into play, allowing Geelong to clear the ball. If he had kicked the ‘super goal’, the nine points would have given the Crows the lead. Adelaide led most of the night but Geelong hit the front in the last quarter and held on to win their first pre-season or night series trophy. Simon Goodwin was on the losing side but won the Michael Tuck Medal as best on ground and Matthew Bode kicked three goals.

2007

Adelaide wore a Crows Foundation guernsey to raise funds from the game against Norwood.

Trial game, February 16

Adelaide 30.18 (198) d Norwood SANFL 2.7 (19) at Norwood Oval

NAB Cup round one, February 23

Adelaide 2.10.8 (86) lost to Port Adelaide 2.9.17 (89) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Regional Challenge, week one, March 3

Adelaide 14.16 (100) d Melbourne 6.8 (44) at Mt Gambier

NAB Regional Challenge, week two, March 9

Adelaide 11.11 (77) lost to West Coast 12.12 (84) at Alice Springs

NAB Regional Challenge, week three, March 16

Adelaide 7.16 (58) lost to Fremantle 12.11 (83) at AAMI Stadium

2008

The Crows travelled to the United Arab Emirates to play Collingwood in the opening round.

NAB Cup round one, February 9

Adelaide 4.15.10 (136) d Collingwood 0.7.13 (55) at Ghantoot Polo Club, Abu Dhabi

Link to page

NAB Cup round two, February 24

Adelaide 1.14.11 (104) d Fremantle 1.12.6 (87) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Cup round three, March 1

Adelaide 2.13.11 (107) d Hawthorn 1.11.9 (84) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Cup grand final, March 8

Adelaide 0.9.10 (64) lost to St Kilda 2.7.9 (69) at AAMI Stadium

Super goals proved the difference in the 2008 grand final, with St Kilda winning a tight thriller by five points. Adelaide took the lead early in the last quarter through Nathan van Berlo but St Kilda goalsneak Stephen Milne then kicked two crucial goals. Kurt Tippett booted four goals for the Crows.

2009

Trial game, February 7

Adelaide 6.7 (43) lost to Indigenous All Stars 14.13 (97) in Darwin

Crows champion Andrew McLeod captained the All Stars

NAB Cup round one, February 21

Adelaide 2.9.12 (84) lost to Geelong 1.17.8 (119) at Docklands

Trent Henstchel played his first game in more than two years.

NAB Challenge, February 27

Adelaide 12.13 (85) lost to West Coast 15.5 (95) at Alice Springs

NAB Challenge, March 7

Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Hawthorn 5.3 (33) at Berri

NAB Challenge, March 13

Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Sydney 11.9 (75) at AAMI Stadium

2010

NAB Cup round one, February 12

Adelaide 1.8.10 (67) lost to Port Adelaide 2.15.15 (123) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Challenge, February 26

Adelaide 8.6 (54) lost to Collingwood 11.8 (74) at Alice Springs

NAB Challenge, March 6

Adelaide 9.15 (69) d Melbourne 10.7 (67) at Elizabeth Oval

NAB Challenge, March 12

Adelaide 12.11 (83) d Carlton 11.16 (82) at Princes Park

2011

The 18 AFL teams were split into six pools for the first stage of the NAB Cup, with the three sides in each group playing each other in two 20-minute halves.

NAB Cup pool one, February 11

Adelaide 0.3.6 (24) lost to Melbourne 0.5.4 (34) at AAMI Stadium

Adelaide 0.6.4 (40) d Port Adelaide 0.1.2 (8) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Challenge, February 26

Adelaide 22.9 (141) d Fremantle 10.6 (66) at Thebarton Oval

NAB Challenge, March 4

Adelaide 11.10 (76) lost to Carlton 15.10 (100) at Princes Park

NAB Challenge, March 11

Adelaide 18.14 (122) d Richmond 8.6 (54) at Princes Park

2012

NAB Cup, pool six, February 26

Adelaide 1.5.4 (43) d Carlton 0.5.4 (34) at AAMI Stadium

Adelaide 0.2.6 (18) d Port Adelaide 0.2.5 (17) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Cup round two, March 3

Adelaide 0.14.9 (93) d Brisbane 1.5.3 (42) at Alice Springs

NAB Cup round three, March 9

Adelaide 1.20.9 (138) d Collingwood 1.7.10 (61) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Cup Grand Final, March 17

Adelaide 2.10.17 (95) d West Coast 2.5.13 (61) at AAMI Stadium

2013

This was the last year a grand final was played to complete the pre-season competition.

NAB Cup pool four, February 17

Adelaide 0.3.6 (24) lost to St Kilda 0.8.2 (50) at AAMI Stadium

Adelaide 0.6.7 (43) d Port Adelaide 0.4.3 (27) at AAMI Stadium

Trial game, February 23

Adelaide 13.11 (89) d Fremantle 13.6 (84) at AAMI Stadium

NAB Cup round two, March 2

Adelaide 1.8.6 (63) lost to Geelong 2.16.12 (126) at Kardinia Park

NAB Cup round three, March 8

Adelaide 4.11.7 (109) d Carlton 2.13.10 (106) at AAMI Stadium

2014

With the official pre-season premiership series removed from the schedule, each team played three full trial games before the home-and-away season.

NAB Challenge, February 16

Adelaide 0.18.11 (119) d Port Adelaide 0.9.5 (59) at Richmond Oval

NAB Challenge, February 24

Adelaide 1.13.12 (99) d Carlton 0.9.7 (61) at Docklands Stadium

Trial game, March 7

Adelaide 12.10 (82) d GWS 11.8 (74) at Blacktown, Sydney

2015

NAB Challenge, March 1

Adelaide 1.12.9 (90) d North Melbourne 0.11.14 (80) at Port Lincoln

Phil Walsh’s first game as Crows coach

NAB Challenge, March 12

Adelaide 0.9.14 (68) lost to Geelong 1.12.6 (87) at Kardinia Park

NAB Challenge, March 21

Adelaide 3.13.12 (117) d Port Adelaide 0.13.15 (93) at Football Park

2016

NAB Challenge, February 21

Adelaide 2.20.10 (148) d West Coast 0.7.6 (48) at Unley Oval

Don Pyke’s first game as Crows coach

NAB Challenge, February 28

Adelaide 0.8.19 (67) lost to Fremantle 1.9.6 (69) at Mount Barker, WA

NAB Challenge, March 11

Adelaide 3.12.10 (109) d Gold Coast 0.11.18 (84) at Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast

2017

A new naming rights partner replaced NAB.

JLT Community Series, February 24

Adelaide 0.10.13 (73) lost to Richmond 0.14.8 (92) at Etihad Stadium

JLT Community Series, March 5

Adelaide 1.9.7 (70) d Geelong 1.7.13 at Richmond Oval

JLT Community Series, March 11

Adelaide 1.20.13 (142) d Brisbane 1.15.4 (103) at Noarlunga Oval

2018

The pre-season launched with a new ‘AFLX’ competition, played under numerous modified rules. Adelaide was one of three clubs to win their pool. Only two full matches per team were scheduled during the JLT Community Series and the super goal was removed after being used since the 2003 season.

AFLX, pool B, February 15

Adelaide 2.7.3 (65) d Collingwood 1.3.9 (37) at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Adelaide 3.3.5 (53) d West Coast 0.7.4 (46) at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Grand final: Adelaide 3.3.7 (55) d Geelong 2.4.3 (47) at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

JLT Community Series, February 25

Adelaide 13.13 (91) d Fremantle 12.9 (81) at Strathalbyn

JLT Community Series, March 10

Adelaide 11.6 (72) lost to Port Adelaide 16.2 (98) at Alberton Oval

2019

Trial game, February 23

Adelaide U23s 13.9 (87) lost to Port Adelaide U23s 15.8 (98) at Thebarton Oval

JLT Community Series, March 2

Adelaide 16.10 (106) d Port Adelaide 14.5 (89) at Port Pirie

JLT Community Series, March 8

Adelaide 10.15 (75) d GWS 7.15 (57) at Manuka Oval, Canberra

2020

Another name change for the competition but the clubs continued to play two official games against AFL opposition.

Marsh Community Series, February 22

Adelaide 10.10 (70) lost to Melbourne 15.13 (103) at Casey Fields, Melbourne

Practice match, February 29

Adelaide U23s 10.9 (69) lost to Port Adelaide U23s 10.15 (75) at Thebarton Oval

Marsh Community Series, March 6

Adelaide 9.10 (64) lost to Gold Coast 9.17 (71) at Noarlunga Oval

2021

The AAMI Community series schedule was disrupted by border restrictions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practice match, February 27

Adelaide 11.7 (73) lost to Port Adelaide 18.17 (125) at Alberton Oval

AAMI Community Series, March 7

Adelaide 6.9 (45) lost to Port Adelaide 17.14 (116) at Noarlunga Oval

2022

Practice match, February 25

Adelaide 7.7 (49) lost to Brisbane 21.12 (138) at Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast

AAMI Community Series, March 5

Adelaide 11.8 (74) lost to Port Adelaide 17.9 (11) at Richmond Oval

2023

Clubs were allowed to arrange “match sim” against AFL opposition before playing one official trial game.

Match simulation, February 24

Adelaide 12.5 (77) d Fremantle 10.6 (66) after four periods at Cockburn, WA

Three extra periods were played

Official Practice Match, March 3

Adelaide 17.9 (111) d West Coast 7.10 (52) at Lathlain Park, Perth

2024

Match simulation, February 23

Adelaide 17.14 (116) lost to Port 21.12 (138) at Alberton Oval (six periods played)

Scores were tied after four periods

Official practice match, March 2

Adelaide 17.15 (117) d West Coast 7.8 (50) at Richmond Oval

2025

Match simulation, February 21

Adelaide 22.11 (143) d Port Adelaide 14.15 (99) at Mt Barker, Adelaide Hills

The game was played across six, 28-minute periods.

Official practice match, February 27

Adelaide 14.13 (97) d Brisbane 13.16 (94) at Brighton Homes, Brisbane