ACTING Adelaide co-captain Rory Sloane says there's plenty his side can learn from Port Adelaide in the lead-up to Sunday's Showdown.

The Crows continued their "rollercoaster" form last Saturday night with a narrow loss to Essendon.

The defeat leaves the side two wins out of the eight, meaning the Crows must upset the Power to boost their flickering finals chances.

In stark contrast, Port remains a win clear on top of the ladder after rebounding strongly from just its second loss of the season to smash the Western Bulldogs.

Sloane said Port’s pressure and spread from contests was enviable.

"They are playing so well … their pressure around the ball and their pressure they're putting on opposition teams really stands out," Soane said.

"The way they run and spread, I mean you watch ‘Trav’ (Boak) and Ollie Wines, Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert – the way they spread in the midfield is something to … learn from.

"[They] really challenge teams by running forward as well.

"We're going to have to be pretty sharp, especially through the midfield because it's going to be pretty tough for us."

While the Crows have a possible finals berth to play for, victory for the Power would also prove hugely beneficial.

There's just four points separating the Power from Hawthorn and the Sydney Swans in second and third, with Fremantle and Geelong a further win back in fourth and fifth.

Port skipper Boak agreed there was a lot to play for.

"Showdowns are always huge and both sides get up for it no matter what," Boak said.

"We're certainly building for a big game and there's probably a fair bit on the line for both sides.

"We had a pretty poor start against the [Western] Bulldogs on the weekend and we need to make sure we get a big four quarter effort because the Crows' best is certainly up there with the best sides."

The Power are tipped to regain the services of Hamish Hartlett, with Boak hopeful the midfielder would be available for selection after a week on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

Adelaide too could benefit from a timely inclusion after Tom Lynch performed impressively in his first competitive hit out since breaking his jaw against Melbourne in round seven.

Lynch gathered 31 disposals in the SANFL and Sloane said there was a spring in his step at West Lakes.

Matt Crouch was also prolific in the match and will come into selection consideration but Sloane said his older brother Brad was likely to require another week in the SANFL.

Twitter: @AFL_Harry