The first Showdown of 2014 marked a spectacular and historic moment for South Australian football – its return to Adelaide Oval. The game left the city venue for West Lakes 40 years ago in 1974 and it returned with a bang on Saturday after a build-up normally reserved for a do-or-die final. At least 5000 Port Adelaide fans marched from Rundle Mall to the redeveloped Adelaide Oval and their heroes didn't let them down, extending their Showdown supremacy to 20 wins from 36 games.
2. Patience pays off for Hamish
It's taken a lot of heartache due to his persistent injuries, but the football world is now starting to see Hamish Hartlett blossom. The brilliant midfielder drove Port Adelaide from the opening quarter and finished the game with 29 possessions, six marks and a goal in a performance that earned him the Showdown Medal. Importantly for his side 12 of his possessions were contested – proving his importance in and under. With a booming left foot, silky skills and a toughness that none can argue, Hartlett is undoubtedly one of the Power's best and a key cog in what's developing into a formidable midfield.
3. First-term tremors?
Although their final quarters have been phenomenal in recent times, the same hasn't been said about the Power's starts. How they would open against the Crows on Saturday was a major talking point in the lead-up to Showdown XXXVI, particularly given the way Port's slow start against Carlton in round one ensured a trademark fightback in the second half. But on Saturday it was instantly apparent last year's semi-finalists had come to play. Their pressure on the ball carrier was ferocious, their finishing inside 50 was solid and they simply outran the Crows early, leading to a 28-point quarter-time lead.
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4. Tex, where are you?
Adelaide found enough of the ball to give it a fighting chance but it just looked stagnant in attack, with drives continuously breaking down across half-forward or easily run out by Power defenders deep in enemy territory. Eddie Betts was the only Crow who looked threatening inside 50, while James Podsiadly (one goal), Lewis Johnston (one goal) and Shaun McKernan (one effective disposal) all struggled to get his hands on the ball. The Power had no such issue hitting the scoreboard, with five multiple goalkickers.
5. Port rides the wave
When questioned about his side's slow starts in the build up to Saturday's Showdown, Power coach Ken Hinkley was as cool as we've come to expect. He spoke of football's changing momentum, claiming what mattered most was how his side responded when their chips were down. That period came in the third term when, after halting Port's run in the second, Adelaide nailed three consecutive goals to take the lead. They wrested control of contested possession and booted four successive majors to end Adelaide's hopes.
4. Tex, where are you?
Adelaide found enough of the ball to give it a fighting chance but it just looked stagnant in attack, with drives continuously breaking down across half-forward or easily run out by Power defenders deep in enemy territory. Eddie Betts was the only Crow who looked threatening inside 50, while James Podsiadly (one goal), Lewis Johnston (one goal) and Shaun McKernan (one effective disposal) all struggled to get his hands on the ball. The Power had no such issue hitting the scoreboard, with five multiple goalkickers.
5. Port rides the wave
When questioned about his side's slow starts in the build up to Saturday's Showdown, Power coach Ken Hinkley was as cool as we've come to expect. He spoke of football's changing momentum, claiming what mattered most was how his side responded when their chips were down. That period came in the third term when, after halting Port's run in the second, Adelaide nailed three consecutive goals to take the lead. They wrested control of contested possession and booted four successive majors to end Adelaide's hopes.
After much anguish Hamish Hartlett is finally getting the chance to show his skills. Picture: AFL Media
