SUMMARY
Showdown 45 gives Adelaide the chance to put a dent in Port Adelaide's finals chances while also keeping alive its extremely slim top-eight aspirations. The Crows (12th, 9-9) must win their remaining four games and hope other results go their way. It's probably a bridge too far, but they have shown enough improvement on the back of key personnel returning in the past month that they will be a challenge for whomever they face. The Power (4th, 12-8) have it all to play for in their remaining four games. They can clinch a top-two berth and a home qualifying final, or they could slide out of the finals equation altogether. A six-day turnaround from the chilly conditions in Ballarat isn't ideal and could take a toll late in the game. Given the Power face West Coast, Collingwood and Essendon in the run home, this is a game they simply must win.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, August 4, 4.05pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2018, Port Adelaide 14.11 (95) d Adelaide 14.6 (90) at Adelaide Oval
R20, 2017, Adelaide 18.22 (130) d Port Adelaide 7.4 (46) at Adelaide Oval
R3, 2017, Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) at Adelaide Oval
R22, 2016, Adelaide 15.19 (109) d Port Adelaide 14.10 (94) at Adelaide Oval
R2, 2016, Adelaide 22.12 (144) d Port Adelaide 11.20 (86) at Adelaide Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Steven Motlop's match-winning goal with 21 seconds on the clock delivered the Power a thrilling five-point victory over the Crows in round eight. Robbie Gray claimed his third Showdown Medal, booting a career-high six goals, including five in the third term.
2. The Power are the No.1 tackling side in the competition, averaging 72.7 tackles per game. They are also the leading clearance side in the League with 40.7 per game. The Crows are ranked 10th in tackles, averaging 64.3 per game, and equal eighth for clearances (37.3).
3. The Power's round eight win over the Crows ended a run of five straight Showdown losses. The Showdown ledger is all square at 22-22.
4. Scoring has dropped away dramatically for the Crows in the second half of the season. They averaged 93 points per game in rounds 1-9. That has reduced to 73 points per game from rounds 10-19.
5. This is the 10th Showdown at Adelaide Oval. The Crows have the edge, winning six games to three. However, the Power has had good form at the ground this season, winning seven of their nine games.
6. Adelaide midfielder/forward Hugh Greenwood is quickly rising up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Greenwood has improved to a career-high 73rd overall – a huge jump of 336 spots having started the season ranked 409th in the competition.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR ….
Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs faces another huge individual challenge when he takes on last year's All Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder. A three-time Showdown Medallist, Jacobs was well beaten by Demons star Max Gawn last week and needs to at least break even with Ryder to give his midfielders a chance of winning the ball at stoppages.
PREDICTION: Power by nine points
