SUMMARY
South Australian footy fans have had to wait eight long weeks for the annual battle for state supremacy. It's the most delayed Showdown since the intense rivalry began when Port Adelaide entered the AFL in 1997. The third-placed Crows look well placed for their sixth straight win over the Power, having moved to an impressive 5-2 record despite a lengthy injury list. Fringe players have taken their opportunities in the senior side and made valuable contributions, while All Australians Matt Crouch and Rory Laird are in fine form yet again. Inconsistency is the Power's biggest weakness. You don't know what you're going to get out of Ken Hinkley's side on any given week. Star ruckman Paddy Ryder will be better in his second game back from an Achilles injury. But it's in the contest where the Power need to bring the heat if they're going to emerge triumphant in Showdown 44 and even the ledger at 22-all.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, May 7, 4.40pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2017, Adelaide 18.22 (130) d Port Adelaide 7.4 (46) at Adelaide Oval
R3, 2017, Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) at Adelaide Oval
R22, 2016, Adelaide 15.19 (109) d Port Adelaide 14.10 (94) at Adelaide Oval
R2, 2016, Adelaide 22.12 (144) d Port Adelaide 11.20 (86) at Adelaide Oval
R16, 2015, Adelaide 18.8 (116) d Port Adelaide 17.11 (113) at Adelaide Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs claimed the Showdown Medal in last year's lop-sided encounter in round 20, finishing with 42 hit-outs and two goals. The Crows had 40 scoring shots to 11 and booted 13 goals to six in the second half on their way to an 84-point drubbing of the Power.
2. The Crows aren't scoring as much as they did last year, but they are still ranked third in the League with 98 points per game. The Power are ninth with 85 per game.
3. It's been all the Crows in recent Showdowns, winning the past five since the second half of 2015. The Crows lead the overall ledger 22-21 since the Power entered the competition in 1997.
4. Both teams find plenty of the ball. The Crows are ranked second for disposals, averaging 402.7 per game, while the Power are fourth, averaging 389.7 per game.
5. Adelaide Oval has been a happy hunting ground for the Crows in Showdowns, winning six of their eight games with the Power. The Crows are 3-1 at Adelaide Oval this year, while the Power are 2-1.
6. Crows veteran Richard Douglas is turning back the clock, moving to his highest spot on the Schick AFL Player Rankings for more than three years. Douglas has risen to 47th overall, his highest ranking since he was 45th after round two, 2015.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Power speedster Steven Motlop has played in big games during his career at Geelong, so will be ready to handle whatever the Crows throw at him in his first Showdown. Motlop has shown glimpses of brilliance since joining the Power, but a starring performance against the club's arch rival would be just what the doctor ordered.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 15 points.
