[1] Nathan van Berlo was appointed captain and the leadership group consisted of Scott Stevens, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty and Scott Thompson.
The 2011 NAB Cup was competed in a new format for the first time since 2003.
Adelaide played Fremantle at Thebarton Oval on 26 February.
They then played Carlton at Visy Park on 4 March, losing by 34 points 15.10 (100) – 11.10 (76).
In the final preseason match of 2011, Adelaide played Richmond, again at Visy Park on the 11th, this time coming up the winners by 68 points 18.14 (122) – 8.6 (54).