THE POWER will be four weeks into their end of season break by the time the last Saturday in September rolls around, but defender Troy Chaplin says Showdown XXV will serve as his team’s grand final this year.
Port Adelaide has won just four games this season and there’s no doubting the club has set its sights on ending a five-match losing streak with a win over bitter rivals Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
“We’re not going to make finals, so this game probably is our Grand Final. It’s no different to any other Showdown; you just want to try and get the win and have bragging rights over the opposition,” Chaplin said.
“I think all our supporters wouldn’t care if we lost every other game for the year, but won this week, and that’s what we want.
“Obviously, we want to win more than just this week, but it’s a huge opportunity for us to get a win and to slowly turn our season around.”
The Crows, who will be without injured stars Brett Burton, Andrew McLeod and Jason Porplyzia, are also struggling for form having dropped their past four games.
Port Adelaide is poised to regain in-form midfielder Steve Salopek from an achilles injury and Chaplin said the Power would be out to get one back on the Crows, who have won six of the past seven Showdowns.
“Injuries can come at the right time and they have for us [playing against Adelaide], but we’ve got some injuries to key players too,” Chaplin said.
“I think it’s pretty well known that we’ve got guys who are carrying niggly injuries, like Chad [Cornes], who probably has the finger and a sore knee, but it’s a great opportunity [to win]. Both teams are looking for a win and hopefully we can get that this weekend.”
Star defender Peter Burgoyne is expected to miss another week with a hamstring strain, but fellow veterans Brendon Lade and Michael Wilson will both be in contention after strong showings in the SANFL.
The lead-up to this weekend bears an uncanny resemblance to that of round 21, 2006, when an inexperienced Power line-up staged a remarkable upset over the preliminary final bound Crows.
“We were probably in a similar situation back in 2006 when we played them. We were struggling, a lot of young guys got some opportunities and we held on that day,” Chaplin said.
“The Crows are looking to play finals and there will be two teams, who haven’t had a win for a while, out there looking for one.
“I’m sick of losing and I think everyone at the club is. It’s been a pretty tough season and hopefully we can put on a good show.
“I think the last Showdown we played in was pretty competitive and both teams attacked the footy hard.
"I think that’s what the supporters want to see, so hopefully we can get a big crowd there. Hopefully, both team’s supporters come out and support their team and we can fill AAMI Stadium.”
