Adelaide legend Darren Jarman says he's elated to see his son Ben picked as the Club's inaugural father-son selection in its 26-year history.

But he knows that from the first training session, the exciting forward's famous surname will count for nothing as he seeks to carve out his own career.

"I'm very proud and he's worked his butt off to get here," Darren told reporters on Monday.

"The hard work starts now for him.

"He probably won't know what hit him tomorrow."

The Crows rolled the dice when they decided not to nominate Jarman as a father-son selection in the NAB AFL National Draft.

If they had nominated him, and no other clubs selected him, they would have been forced to take him with their final pick.

However, Jarman made it through to the NAB AFL Rookie Draft on Monday, where he automatically joined the Crows.

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind the last few hours, very exciting time though," Ben said.

"It was obviously a very long process, but I'm just glad it's all over now.

"Growing up, you want to play for the team you supported.

"To end up at the Crows is pretty surreal and I'm very excited to begin tomorrow."

Hawthorn – who Jarman also qualified for as a father-son selection – declined to nominate him early in the process, while the Crows declined last week.

"We had a good meeting with (the Crows) so we knew where we stood," Darren said.

"There was no panic there.

"We were quite clear what was going to happen.

"I was just praying someone wasn't going to pick him up at the end, so it's ended up perfect."

Ben Jarman highlights

Jarman sat nervously through the draft on Friday night before getting a call from Crows Head of Football Brett Burton, telling him they would put him on the rookie list.

"It was pretty weird, it was a very nervous night," Ben said.

"I was like any other player, I just wanted to get picked up.

"It didn't bother me where I ended up, but to end up here is a bit of a cherry on top."

Darren said his son's ability to use the ball is his main strength and he would need to improve his physical attributes to compete at the next level.

But the main piece of advice is simply to enjoy his football.

"You're only in the industry for 10 years and it goes bloody quick," Darren said.

"Just to go for it and don't hold back and cruise through.

"If your best is good enough, then that will take care of itself."

Crows fans will remember Jarman senior for his memorable five goals in the final quarter of the 1997 Grand Final to lead the Club to its first premiership.

Ben wasn't born then, but his old man has made sure he's well aware of his exploits on the field.

"I've watched it a few times," Ben said.

Darren chimed in: "Does anyone have a new copy? Mine's a bit worn out."