BEATEN 2017 grand finalists Adelaide have a piece of silverware after taking out the inaugural AFLX tournament at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday night.
The Crows went unbeaten through their two pool games before beating Geelong by eight points in the Grand Final.
In an exciting contest, the Crows prevailed 3.3.7 (55) to 2.4.3 (47) to the delight of the crowd of 10,253.
The seven-a-side format lived up to its hype as a fast-paced and high-scoring game, with 33 ten-point 'Zooper goals' kicked through the seven games.
Jake Kelly and Andy Otten were the only two Crows' players from last year's losing Grand Final to Richmond, but it was the likes of Curtly Hampton and Cam Ellis-Yolmen who stood out.
"We're really happy," Crows assistant coach Scott Camporeale.
"Our focus is still round one, but it was a great opportunity to see some guys who didn't get a lot of game time last year, either through injury or not being able to break into the team.
"A couple of great stories – Cam Ellis-Yolmen coming off an ACL, and Kyle Cheney, who has missed a lot of footy.
"We rate those guys really highly and it's a great opportunity for those guys to show us where they're at."
Camporeale said he would be happy to see AFLX became a regular part of the AFL calendar.
"I don't see why not, I thought it was pretty exciting," he said.
"The crowd and the people and the players enjoyed the build up to it and playing it.
"I guess, if it gets momentum and the people come it will stay."
Daniel Menzel, Mitch Duncan, Tom Hawkins, Mark Blicavs, Sam Menegola and Jed Bews all started in the decider for the Cats.
Cats coach Chris Scott said the concept had proven to be a winner.
"One of the benefits of this game is that it's lower contact," he said.
"There were a handful of stoppages across the night.
"This is a really good way to learn the game for young kids."
The Crows made a blistering start in the Grand Final through 'Zooper goals' to Patrick Wilson and Tom Doedee within the first minute.
The Cats and the Crows won both games in their respective groups to punch their ticket to the Grand Final.
Fremantle and Collingwood claimed victories in their second games of the night to end 1-1.
West Coast and Port Adelaide – both who fielded inexperienced squads – finished winless from their two games.
The Cats kicked off proceedings with an entertaining 12-point victory against Port Adelaide.
Cats youngster Zach Guthrie made history by kicking the first AFLX goal, while Power defender Riley Bonner booted the inaugural Zooper goal, scoring 10 points for a kick beyond the 40m arc.
Smoke machines at both ends of the ground blasted to life for every 'Zooper goal'.
The ten umpires were impossible to miss in their bright flouro pink shirts and socks.
Grey footballs were used for the first four games of the night before they were substituted for the more traditional yellow balls, which were easier to see for the television broadcast.
Carlton, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Essendon, North Melbourne and St Kilda will take part in the second AFLX tournament at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Greater Western Sydney, Richmond, Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane and Gold Coast will play at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.
GRAND FINAL
Adelaide 3.3.7 (55) def Geelong 2.4.3 (47)
POOL A
Game 1: Geelong 3.6.6 (72) def Port Adelaide 5.1.4 (60)
Game 2: Geelong 4.2.5 (57) def Fremantle 3.1.4 (40)
Game 3: Fremantle 1.6.8 (54) def Port Adelaide 2.2.5 (37)
POOL B
Game 1: Adelaide 2.7.3 (65) def Collingwood 1.3.9 (37)
Game 2: Adelaide 3.3.5 (53) def West Coast 0.7.4 (46)
Game 3: Collingwood 3.3.4 (52) def West Coast 0.5.7 (37)
