Chad Wingard is the most improved player of 2013. He's gone from a raw draftee last season to one of the most dangerous half-forwards in the league. He was in everything during the Power's second-quarter blitz. From quick handballs to clever kicks, as well as a great snap on his non-preferred right boot. He has super skills and also has a sense of occasion. The Power were 12 points down heading into the last quarter without any momentum and Wingard stepped up with a running goal from 45m within the first 25 seconds of the last quarter. He added two more in the last quarter including the sealer – a set shot from 30m out with just 30 seconds left on the clock. His 24 disposals and five goals were good enough to win the Showdown Medal in one of the most exciting Showdowns in 17 years.
2. Super-sub Grigg
Adelaide's sub Mitch Grigg came on at the 17th minute mark in the third quarter and produced an outstanding 12-minute display. His first possession was a great goal from almost 50m out on a 45-degree angle and he had eight more touches for the quarter. He won the hard ball, had two inside 50s and three clearances. Along with Jared Petrenko, Grigg provided the spark in the premiership quarter that would have made dual Adelaide premiership coach Malcolm Blight proud. The Crows kicked seven goals to two in the quarter and turned a 21-point deficit into a 12-point lead. They dominated contested possession in the quarter, too, smashing the Power 45 to 22. Unfortunately for them, it wasn't enough to win the game.
3. Monfries' miracle to make Murali proud
The Power had the perfect chance to cement their spot in the top eight and play finals for the first time since their horror 2007 Grand Final loss and it looked like they had blown it late in the last quarter. They trailed by 20 points with six minutes to go and somehow managed to steal it. The turning point came from Angus Monfries' left foot. With just two minutes left, he threw the Sherrin on his left boot under extreme pressure and the ball wobbled towards the point post but somehow bounced at right angles and went through for a goal. The amount it turned would have delighted champion off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan proud and it had to be seen to be believed.
4. Johnston steps up
Adelaide's forward line has been crippled by injury this year and former first-round draft pick Lewis Johnston was given his chance to fill the void. In just his fourth AFL game, the 22-year-old stepped up straight away. A renowned sharp-shooter, Johnston kicked the first goal of the match and the first goal of the second quarter, too. He led-up the ground well, providing a good hit-up target and also launched a 70m bomb that bounced through during Adelaide's outstanding seven-goal third quarter. He also kicked a fine goal under pressure in the last quarter to finish with four goals straight. In his fifth AFL season, the 22-year-old former Swan looks to have finally matured into a quality forward prospect.
5. A fine farewell to AAMI Stadium
Port Adelaide's four-point win was the closest result in the Showdown's colourful 17-year history and it was only fitting that the final derby at AAMI Stadium was one for the ages. Way back in 1997, Crows superstar forward Tony Modra kicked seven goals in the inaugural Showdown but Port Adelaide won the first match by 11 points. Over the years, it's produced some amazing highlights and the angst between clubs has seen some memorable hits. More than 43,000 fans turned out for the final edition before both clubs move their home games to Adelaide Oval in 2014 and they got the game they deserved. It was tight, tough and hard and both teams played an attractive brand of football. There wasn't the biff that we've seen in the past but it didn't matter. Port's dramatic come-from-behind win was the perfect way to end it at AAMI Stadium. The Power now leads the ledger, 19-16, and the rivalry is certainly alive and well as it heads into a new era.
