_Mike_
Super Moderator
- Aug 10, 2009
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SUMMARY
South Australia's most important game on the footy calendar takes on extra significance for two of the premiership contenders. The 43rd edition of the Showdown promises to be a beauty, with the Crows and the Power coming off amazing results last weekend. The Crows showed tremendous fight to rally from 50 points down early in the third quarter to secure a draw against Collingwood at the MCG, while a bit of Patrick Ryder and Robbie Gray brilliance delivered the Power a thrilling two-point win over St Kilda. The top-of-the-table Crows will be slight favourites to win their fifth straight Showdown, but the fifth-placed Power need a victory to realistically keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive. This is one of those genuine 'flip a coin' games that will more than likely go down to the wire.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday, August 6, 4.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R5, 2015, Port Adelaide 18.7 (115) d Adelaide 13.13 (91) at Adelaide Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the two sides met in round three this year, Crows skipper Taylor Walker booted four goals and Eddie Betts three, while Matt Crouch and Rory Sloane had 32 and 31 disposals respectively. Port Adelaide won the inside 50 count and laid more tackles despite losing the game by 17 points.
2. This will be a contest between two of the top three scoring teams in the competition. The Crows are ranked first with 111 points per game, while the Power are third with 99. But the Power are the best defensive team in the League, conceding just 76 points per game, while the Crows are fourth (81).
3. Nothing separates the two arch rivals 42 after Showdowns, with both clubs having 21 wins each. The Crows have evened the ledger after winning the past four and five of the last six.
4. These teams are also the best inside 50 sides this season. Port Adelaide is ranked first averaging 60.1, just ahead of the Crows with an average of 57 per game.
5. Crows skipper Taylor Walker enjoys a good Showdown record, kicking 33 goals in 12 games, and has booted two goals or more in 11 of the 12 games. In his seven Showdowns, Eddie Betts has kicked 27 goals, with four or more five times.
6. Crows midfielder Matt Crouch is having a breakout season. In the Schick AFL Player Ratings, Crouch has risen from 134th overall to 60th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Rory Sloane
The Crows champion is certain to get tagged once again after being held to just 16 possessions against Collingwood last weekend. Brad Ebert appears to be the most likely match-up, and will apply physical pressure to Sloane at every opportunity.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by four points
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