SUMMARY
It's only round two, but there's plenty at stake in Showdown XL. After surging over the Saints, Port Adelaide has the chance to get its season off to a flyer with a meeting against wooden-spoon favourite Essendon to come in round three. But the Power must tighten up its defence, or they could be in for a torrid time against a potent Crows forward line. Adelaide has a nightmare first eight rounds, and dropping to a 0-2 start would be a sizeable setback for Don Pyke's men, who coughed up a 24-point lead to North Melbourne in their season-opener.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, April 2, 1.15pm ACDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2015, Adelaide 18.8 (116) d Port Adelaide 17.11 (113) at Adelaide Oval
R5, 2015, Port Adelaide 18.7 (115) d Adelaide 13.13 (91) at Adelaide Oval
R15, 2014, Adelaide 14.15 (99) d Port Adelaide 10.16 (76) at Adelaide Oval
R2, 2014, Port Adelaide 19.13 (127) d Adelaide 11.7 (73) at Adelaide Oval
R19, 2013, Port Adelaide 17.5 (107) d Adelaide 15.13 (103) at AAMI Stadium
With Port boasting a new-look forward line, Crow Daniel Talia becomes a key. Picture: AFL Media
THE SIX POINTS
1. The bitter crosstown rivals meet for the 40th time with the Power holding a 21-18 advantage.
2. Adelaide won a thrilling Showdown in round 16 last season, despite the Power having slightly more scoring shots (28-26) and inside 50s (52-50).
3. In their round one win over St Kilda, the Power’s dangerous small forwards Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard combined for 47 disposals, seven inside 50s, 11 clearances and seven goals.
4. Goalkicking practice might be on the agenda for the Crows after they blew a big opportunity against North Melbourne by booting 1.5 in the final term of their 10-point loss.
5. Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson started the season in top form by gathering 30 disposals, with nine clearances and seven inside 50s in the loss to the Roos.
6. Robbie Gray surged into the top five of the Schick AFL Player Ratings after his match-winning performance for Port Adelaide in round one, leapfrogging Crows star Rory Sloane in sixth spot.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Daniel Talia
The negating Adelaide defender will play his 100th game on Saturday and holds a key to victory if he can shut down Power forward Charlie Dixon.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by six points.
