The Crows need a strong opening more than most and their recruits shone at Brighton Homes Arena on Thursday night as they came back in the last quarter for the 14.13 (97) to 13.16 (94) win.
Former GWS players James Peatling and Isaac Cumming, new vice-captain Alex Neal-Bullen and youngster Sid Draper all were prominent for Adelaide.
While the Lions blew their lead in the humid conditions, the only negative from the night was the concussion to premiership defender Brandon Starcevich in a marking contest.
That will rule Starcevich out of the Lions' season opener next Thursday against Geelong at the Gabba.
The Lions led by 22 points midway through the last term before Adelaide kicked the last four goals.
Captain Jordan Dawson's goal put the Crows in front with less than four minutes left, before Cam Rayner and Jaspa Fletcher missed set shots for the Lions.
Adelaide slumped badly last season to 15th place, never recovering from a 0-4 start. They have abandoned any talk about finals and the public focus is on their round-one home clash against St Kilda on March 16.
While it was only the pre-season, beating the premiers and seeing so many good signs from their new players are important boosts for Adelaide.
It was also significant that they won a tight game - even if Brisbane blew two very gettable late chances - given the Crows lost six games last season by less than two goals.
Peatling had 13 contested possessions in the midfield and Cumming kicked a goal in the last term, while Neal-Bullen had seven inside 50s among his 20 possessions.
Draper, taken at No.4 last year in the national draft, showed he is ready for round one by coming on in the second half and racking up five clearances among his 14 disposals.
Brisbane star Lachie Neale dominated, with 30 disposals and 10 clearances.Â
One of the keys to the Lions' premiership defence will be life up forward after Joe Daniher's retirement.
Fellow key forward Eric Hipwood returned for the first time in the pre-season and kicked two goals.
Small forward Kai Lohmann started the game with a couple of spectacular marks as Brisbane took control early, leading by 14 points at quarter time.
But the Crows steadied immediately and scores were level at the main break.
Levi Ashcroft, the younger brother of Norm Smith Medallist Will, showed impressive forward craft with his goal in the last quarter and he also is primed for a round-one debut.
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