ADELAIDE veteran David Mackay has been involved in enough Showdowns to know form goes out the window when the ball is bounced.

That's why, entering his 18th encounter against arch-rivals Port Adelaide, the midfielder is expecting nothing less than a torrid contest at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

"I love Showdowns," Mackay said.

"It is another home and away game, but there is something else behind it, it does mean a bit more for everyone in the state.

WHO MAKES FINALS? Do the 2019 Ladder Predictor

"As a player, you feel that, you understand that and I suppose over time, I've learnt to embrace it as well, enjoy the week until we run out Saturday night and lock horns in a super-competitive match."

The Crows have won six of the past seven games to take a slender 23-22 advantage since the Power entered the AFL in 1997.

Mackay's first Showdown in round three, 2008 is one of the most memorable, as the Crows hung on for a six-point victory despite being severely under-manned by the final siren.

"I'll never forget my first Showdown, I think we were down to 17 fit men by the end of the game and we ended up winning by a goal," he said.

"That was only my third game of footy and I'll never forget that moment.

"Just the atmosphere, the hostility, the crowd, I think it was an away Showdown as well.

"I absolutely love them and can't wait for this week."

Adding to the importance is the fact the Crows and Power are sixth and seventh on the ladder respectively with identical 4-3 records.

However, their form lines are quite different; the Crows are building momentum having won three in a row, while the Power are coming off a disappointing 39-point loss to Collingwood at Marvel Stadium last Friday night.

MID-SEASON DRAFT 50 players who could spark up your list

"We expect them to come out fired-up regardless of what happened last week," Mackay said.

"They're a super-proud group, they're highly competitive and we've seen they've introduced some young talent this year who have really developed for them.

"It's a really good challenge for our group.

"The last few weeks, we've got our game back moving towards where we want to get to and how we want to play, and this week is another super challenge for us."

The Crows could welcome back defender Luke Brown for his first game of the season.

Brown had ankle surgery in March, and made his return on managed minutes in the SANFL last weekend.