But after more than a decade of competition between the two South Australian AFL clubs, the playing history is packed with memorable moments from the start, when AFL newcomers Port stunned the Crows in the first Showdown.
There have been 22 more encounters since then and Port leads the overall tally, winning 12 of these clashes.
Here is a quick rundown of the Showdown story so far...
Showdown I; Round 4, 20/4/97: Port 11.17 (83) def Adelaide 11.6 (72)
Football Park was bursting at the seams as 47,256 packed into the stands to watch the first “Showdown”. However, it wasn’t one to be remembered by Crows fans who watched their side lose by 11 points. Tony Modra kicked seven majors, and many will remember the match for Rod Jameson and Scott Cummings exchanging punches before the opening bounce. The rivalry had well and truly begun!
Showdown II; Round 19, 10/8/97: Adelaide 9.11 (65) def Port 9.4 (58)
In wet and windy conditions the Crows struggled to make up ground after an ordinary first quarter, going into the last quarter 23 points down. However, Adelaide kept Port scoreless and managed to kick 4.6; giving the side a courageous, season defining victory. Brett James was the Crows’ best performer on the day. The Showdown victory was Adelaide’s first, with both sides now having had a taste of what was becoming South Australia’s most talked about matches.
Showdown III; Round 4, 19/4/98: Port 8.16 (64) def Adelaide 11.7 (73)
The winter weather threw its best at both clubs, in what was a fiercely contested match from the outset. Adelaide had a number of opportunities to score in the third quarter, however poor kicking resulted in only minor scores. In what was a thrilling finish, the Crows failed to convert with Port taking the victory by nine points.
Showdown IV; Round 19, 9/8/98: Adelaide 22.12 (144) def Port 10.10 (70)
The Crows kept Port Adelaide at bay in the first half, leading by 22 points at the main break. However, in the second half Malcolm Blight’s team took control and kicked away from their opponents. Peter Vardy was dominant in a best on ground performance, kicking seven goals from 13 attempts. Andrew McLeod and Mark Ricciuto were also outstanding. In a terrific team effort, the Crows stormed ahead to win by 74 points.
Showdown V; Round 6, 2/5/99: Adelaide 18.7 (115) def Port 12.15 (87)
In a match not for the purist, the Crows never looked threatened by Port Adelaide, maintaining a comfortable lead for four quarters. Adelaide went on to secure a 28 point victory, with captain Mark Bickley best on ground and Matthew Robran dangerous at centre half forward, kicking five goals.
Showdown VI; Round 21, 22/8/99: Port 13.14 (92) def Adelaide 9.14 (68)
The Crows pushed hard against Port Adelaide, however struggled to make inroads against a team who were stronger on the day. Port Adelaide nullified the impact of Adelaide’s dangerous midfield; a major reason for their 24 point victory. Nathan Bassett was named best for the Crows.
Showdown VII; Round 7, 23/4/00: Adelaide 14.14 (98) def Port 13.13 (91)
Early in the third quarter it looked as if the game was over, with Adelaide 42 points behind and looking well and truly outclassed. Enter Mark Ricciuto, who took the game by the scruff of the neck amassing over 40 possessions and kicking four goals for the day. Matthew Robran was also outstanding on the dangerous Warren Tredrea. The Crows charged on with renewed confidence, snatching a memorable seven point victory.
Showdown VIII; Round 22, 6/8/00: Port 20.19 (139) def Adelaide 14.8 (92)
Sadly the weather was the only enjoyable part of Showdown 8 for Crows supporters. A nine goal opening quarter blitz from Port Adelaide had the Crows on the back foot from the outset, who never really recovered despite rallying in the second quarter. Eventually the deficit became 47 points at the final siren, with McLeod the only standout kicking four goals.
Showdown IX; Round 3, 13/4/01: Port 23.15 (153) def Adelaide 13.10 (88)
Adelaide battled to hold on to Port Adelaide in the first half, keeping in touch by a couple of goals. However, 14 second half goals from the Power overwhelmed the Crows who were left stunned. Port were eventual winners by 65 points. Mark Bickley never showed signs of giving up, and Peter Vardy was again dangerous kicking four goals.
Showdown X; Round 18, 5/8/01: Port 16.11 (107) def Adelaide 15.9 (99)
A crowd of nearly 50,000 sat on the edge of their seats throughout a fantastic contest. Adelaide led by 27 points during the second quarter and the Crows midfielders were on top of their opponents. Port made some adjustments and shut Adelaide down in the third quarter. The final term was a thriller; Adelaide couldn’t quite regain the lead, to be behind by eight points at the sound of the final siren. Andrew McLeod was again outstanding for the Crows.
Showdown XI; Round 5, 27/4/02: Port 14.6 (90) def Adelaide 12.10 (82)
The tradition of nailbiter Showdowns continued, with Adelaide against just falling short by eight points. The Crows were clearly the better side in the first half, however they could not maintain the momentum as Port Adelaide surged to victory. Simon Goodwin and Michael Doughty were Adelaide’s best players.
Showdown XII; Round 20, 18/8/02: Port 12.12 (84) def Adelaide 11.10 (76)
Keeping to the traditional hard fought theme of Showdowns, Adelaide battled against a strong Port Adelaide side. Crows supporters were in shock as their side again lost by the slim margin of eight points. Port showed greater poise and cleaner skills and were rewarded with the win. Chris Ladham’s battled hard for four quarters, and was the best performer for the Crows.
Showdown XIII; Round 5, 64/4/03: Port 12.6 (78) def Adelaide 9.12 (66)
A fast start from Port Adelaide had the Crows under pressure from the outset. Adelaide was wasteful at times, and failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities. Led by Graham Johncock and Nigel Smart, the Crows fought back in the last term. However, they just ran out of time conceding a 12 victory to the Power.
Showdown XIV; Round 22, 31/8/03: Port 14.10 (94) def Adelaide 12.6 (78)
Round 22 of 2003 presented more Showdown heartbreak for Crows supporters. Again competitive for much of the match, the Crows failed to utilise a four goal breeze in the final term to lose by 16 points. Nigel Smart was best for Adelaide.
Showdown XV; Round 7, 8/5/04: Adelaide 17.17 (119) def Port 13.9 (87)
Andrew McLeod’s 200th game brought relief to Adelaide’s Showdown drought of seven straight losses, as the Crows took the impressive win by 32 points. Experienced big man Matthew Clarke led the charge, with Adelaide out-muscling Port with a revamped attack and a defence that refused to allow their opponent space. Along with Clarke, Ricciuto and McGregor were impressive and Graham Johncock kicked four goals.
Showdown XVI; Round 22, 29/8/04: Port 12.13 (85) def Adelaide 9.6 (60)
Although the conditions were good, Showdown 16 was somewhat of a slog with Adelaide struggling to keep in touch with their rivals. As the standard of the match dropped in the second half, the Crows toiled on with three injured players on the bench. Eventually Port were the victors by 25 points, with Adelaide left sore and sorry at the end of the match. Rhett Biglands and Tyson Edwards were best players for the Crows.
Showdown XVII; Round 3, 10/4/05: Adelaide 18.16 (124) def Port 8.8 (56)
Perfect playing conditions at AAMI Stadium would give few excuses to either side. From the first bounce, Adelaide played an attacking brand of football that left Port Adelaide stunned. Adelaide then threw the knock out punch in the second half and blew their opponents away. It was a commanding performance where all Crows players contributed. Four quarters of quality football ensured a memorable 68 point victory for the club. Graham Johncock was again terrific along with Simon Goodwin and up and coming star Martin Mattner.
Showdown XVIII; Round 20, 13/8/05: Adelaide 13.10 (88) def Port Adelaide 12.9 (81)
Adelaide continued its good run of form by defeating Port Adelaide by seven points. It certainly was no spectacle, with both sides making costly skill errors in the windy conditions. Simon Goodwin, Mark Ricciuto and Scott Thompson were Adelaide’s best performers, with Thompson kicking four goals. However, the victory came at a cost with in-form ruckman Ben Hudson injuring his right knee and forced out of football for 12 months.
Showdown XIX; 1st Semi Final, 10/9/05: Adelaide 18.15 (123) def Port 5.10 (40)
It was the match that separated a state; regarded as the “ultimate showdown” with the two local rivals facing off in a semi final. There was never more at stake, with the winner pushing deeper into the finals and the loser bundled out of the 2005 season. This was one of South Australia’s most hyped matches in history. 50,521 people watched in awe as Adelaide dominated proceedings, out classing their shell-shocked opponents all over the ground. It is regarded as one of Adelaide’s most memorable matches, as they went on to win the final by the huge margin of 83 points. Standing out among the many fantastic performers were Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards and Ben Rutten.
Showdown XX; Round 6, 6/5/06: Adelaide 15.13 (103) def Port 8.5 (53)
In wet and blustery conditions the Crows were quick off the mark jumping to a four goal lead at quarter time. Adelaide were then forced to fight off a strong second quarter comeback from Port, however they were more than good enough to stem the tide and come out eventual winners by 50 points. Tyson Edwards and Michael Doughty were good in the midfield, and Adelaide’s defence was in fine form again.
Showdown XXI; Round 21, 27/8/06: Port 14.11 (95) def Adelaide 11.15 (81)
Adelaide dominated early with quick running all over the ground but failed to hurt the opposition on the scoreboard, kicking only three goals from 13 shots in the first term. Port’s big guns controlled early and started to have an influence particularly up forward and they finished the match full of run.
Showdown XXII; Round 3, 14/4/07: Adelaide 13.9 (87) def Port 8.15 (63)
Adelaide starved its pacy opponent of the ball and denied an in-form Port Adelaide side the opportunity to play the game on their terms. The Crows defence provided plenty of rebound and kicked long and direct to their forwards, with McLeod and Torney leading the way from half back.
Showdown XXIII; Round 18, 4/8/07: Adelaide 9.19 (73) def Port 10.5 (65)
Adelaide overcame a 12 point deficit and tough conditions to win the important Showdown by eight points. Although behind for most of the match, Adelaide continued to pressure Port Adelaide – who tired in the last quarter. Adelaide nullified Port’s big guns, took the lead and were composed enough to hold off their opponent’s late charge. Goodwin and Torney were Adelaide’s best.
