AAMI era will end as it began, with a Port Adelaide victory

IT'S hard not to fancy Port Adelaide's chances on Sunday in the final AAMI Stadium Showdown.

THE silence has been deafening in Adelaide this week.

Rarely has there been such a measured approach to an important game of football, let alone a Showdown.

That will change this afternoon when around 50 000 head to West Lakes as the Crows look to keep their slim hope of finals alive while the Power look to move a big step closer to a place in September.

MORE: CROWS MIGHT THROW A SELECTION CURVEBALL

One will be disappointed

It looms as a sporting moment not to be missed.

Rarely do these two teams disappoint with more than bragging rights on the line.

The build up to Sunday's sell out will have already begun for many.

The car parks will be full early and the barbecues alight with both club supporters standing side by side enjoying a great day on our sporting calendar ending 17 years of contests at the home of football.

It will be a moment to savour.

SCROLL DOWN: BONE RATES EVERY PLAYER

In 2014 the game will have a new home at Adelaide Oval.

Before the move, one of the most anticipated clashes between the two rivals awaits.

It is almost impossible, Crows faithful excepted, not to fancy the Power's chances.

Jarrad Redden and Tom Jonas, aside they are arguably at full strength.

Ruckman Matthew Lobbe has become a dominant force and he feeds a midfield led by skipper Travis Boak that threatens to become the game's best in the not too distant future.

Coach Ken Hinkley is simultaneously building a defence that is Port Adelaide to the core while the forward line has the flexibility and goal scoring potential that makes it a very dangerous beast.

The Power may sit in eighth spot on the ladder but will know a home final is within reach.

Hinkley is doing his best to keep them focused on the next contest and not the bigger picture.

He's doing a bloody good job.

It's a different story at West Lakes and the Crows are in a much different place.

Injuries are a worry but so is their mental state.

It's been a problem all year.

The Crows looks vulnerable.

The forward line has been decimated and the replacements have struggled to step up.

The midfield reads well but has not performed well, while the back six may have battled courageously but sheer weight of numbers have taken their toll.

The Crows year has continued as it begun back in February.

Unconvincing, with too much left to too few.

It is not the recipe for success.

The Power will end the Showdown chapter at AAMI Stadium as they began it back in 1997.

Winners.

BONE'S RATINGS

ADELAIDE CROWS

Rory Laird

Having an outstanding debut year.

Looks to have made a home for himself in the back six but faces a tough test today.

Robbie Gray looms large. 6

Ben Rutten

An afternoon with Jay Schulz awaits the big fella.

The veteran's form has been one of the positives at West Lakes in 2013 and he'll need to be at his best again. 7

Andrew Otten

Looks a contender to stop Mr Showdown II, Justin Westhoff.

Having a very solid year but will soon need to elevate his game to his previous high level. 7

Luke Brown

Avoiding the second year blues with a solid season.

Has showed the odd sign of fatigue in recent times and must hold his own against the Power's quality small forwards.

Needs a touch more offence. 6

Daniel Talia

No job too tough for the 21 year old and could be assigned the task on Butcher or Westhoff.

Defensive game in very good nick, now needs to start building his offence.

Rarely beaten in another very good season. 8

Brodie Smith

Lot to like about the development of his game and the weapons now at his disposal.

Used as a Jack of all Trades and has performed well in some difficult roles.

Will get another this arvo. 7

Ricky Henderson

A mixed bag from the 25 year old and has yet to completely nail down a place to call home.

Defence looks his place with an occasional run in attack,

Has a strong rebounding game when he's on.7

Patrick Dangerfield

Now 23 years of age and with 100 games under his belt has elevated his game to elite class.

Brilliant in the middle, dynamic in attack, looks destined for an attacking role today to help the Crows kick a score.

Kane Cornes will not be far away if Brad Ebert doesn't get 1st crack. 9

Nathan van Berlo

Is having a much bigger impact since being handed the bigger jobs on the oppositions best midfielder.

Needs to focus on what he does best and get back to being the influence he was in 2012. Will have Travis Boak in his sights today.

Must not doubt his role as skipper it is rightfully his. 8

Bernie Vince

Getting back to his very best which has taken some time.

His act of courage against Freo last week to run back with the flight of the footy and take what came was as good as it gets.

Needs a season best game to give the Crows a sniff of victory. 8

Shaun McKernan

Didn't train all week and is a risk if he suits up.

His best is very good but his average is unacceptable.

Has too much talent and too many weapons to play mediocre football for too much longer. 6

Brad Crouch

A genuine star in the making.

Being handled very cautiously in his early days and being made to earn every minute he gets.

Looks ready for a big game very soon. Like him to hit impact the scoreboard a little more often. 7

Jared Petrenko

2013 impacted by injury and form slump that has reduced him to just 8/17 games.

Has got plenty to offer and a toughness needed to keep the opposition guessing.

A regular role for him in attack beckons when his fitness improves. 6

Lewis Johnston

It's about time.

Chances have been rare but has one now and as the great Barrie Robran says has a kick on him as good as any.

Only needs five kicks to make a difference, his job will be to get the five in the right spot. 6

Tom Lynch

Perhaps the standout discovery of the season after a frustrating 2012 with 29 goals and 110 marks in his 14 games .

Will be a challenge for Ken Hinkley to match up on in Tom Jonas's absence.

Paul Stewart could be the man. 7

Sam Jacobs

Tough year for the number 1 ruckman after a ripper 2012.

Has not looked 100 % fit at any time of the season and appears to struggle to get around the ground in his usual fashion.

Faces a game breaker against Matthew Lobbe. 7

Richard Douglas

Has had more kicks, 262, than any other at West Lakes and 3rd in total disposals. Also no 2 in tackles and has played all 17 games to date.

His best year since his Club Champion season of 2010.

With Sloane out and Danger and Thomo not 100% must be the man in the midfield to carry the load. 8

Scott Thompson

Just can't get out of 2nd gear in 2013 after 2 corkers in 2011 and 2012.

Numbers don't read badly but don't tell the full story.

Continues to get a close check despite his form and Dom Cassisi may not be far way. 7

Matt Wright

Needs a big game.

Had some good moments in attack this year and continues to develop his craft but not having the impact of last season.

Could get a job on a Power midfielder, Hamish Hartlett his likely target. 7

David Mackay

Having some good and poor moments in 2013 but so important to the Crows midfield mix.

Like him running out of defence carrying the football but haven't seen much of that this year.

The Crows are a much better team with him in form. 7

Jarrad Lyons

Like what he's doing in his early moments in the game at the elite level.

Still just 20 years of age but already gets the ball in good spots and at good times. Much to like. 6

Mitch Grigg

Great to see him get another game after being discarded very quickly after his debut.

Good size and shape for the game of today.

Looks the likely sub at this stage. 6

PORT ADELAIDE POWER

Cam O'Shea

Played every game and developing nicely amongst a solid back six at Alberton.

In the absence of Jonas could find himself handed the biggest job of the day on Crows forward Tom Lynch. 7

Alipate Carlile

Rock solid as always in his typical no fuss fashion.

With Kurt Tippett, Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins missing from the Crows front six, Carlile could get first look at Lewis Johnston. 8

Paul Stewart

One of several Mr Fixit's at Ken Hinkley's disposal. Can handle a small, a mid or even a tall at a pinch.

Has strong defensive mindset but also flexible enough to push forward if needed. 7

Matthew Broadbent

Still just 22 years of age but moving rapidly towards the 100 game barrier.

Was outstanding last week in the dying stages with the game on the line with his run out of defence.

Flexible enough to roll into the midfield at a pinch. 8

Jackson Trengove

Will have Shaun McKernan in his sights if the Crows big man proves his fitness.

As tough as they come and has recovered from a nasty injury well to stiffen up the back half.

No surprise to see him sneak forward if the game demands. 8

Sam Colquhoun

Getting some good game time in his debut season and has some very obvious talents at this early stage.

Got some run and carry that will prove handy.

Big occasion for a youngster, watch him closely. 6

Chad Wingard

Has all the attributes needed to be an elite player in the very near future.

Courage, class, poise ... he must be stopped for the Crows to win.

Brodie Smith or Luke Brown may get a crack. 9

Travis Boak

What can you say.

Has quickly become the heart and soul of the Power with his selfless approach to the game.

Captaincy fits him like a glove. Crows skipper Nathan Van Berlo will wear him like one today. 9

Jasper Pittard

Some interesting moments in 2013 from a player the club is desperate to get extended game time into.

Injuries have not helped.

Gives good run out of the back half and has a penetrating leg that can cause plenty of damage. 7

Robbie Gray

Looks ready for a big game as he builds fitness and confidence in his return from injury.

Will be closely watched by one of the Crows defensive smalls, Rory Laird might be the one.

A match winner if left unchecked. 8

John Butcher

Patience is the key and time in this man will be time well spent.

Capable of doing the unbelievable and if he's hot can be unstoppable.

Could find Daniel Talia close by which makes for a tough afternoon. 7

Angus Monfries

Much to like about this small forward who has added plenty in his first season back home.

Will be privately dealing with the saga at Essendon so has had a tough year off field.

A 40 plus goal season within reach. 7

Justin Westhoff

The man made for Showdowns will be once again looking to be the man to stop.

Had some career best moments in 2013 all over the ground.

Crows have a range of options to stop him but it may still not be enough. 9

Jay Schulz

Having a good year despite the lack of big numbers on the scoreboard.

Pushing up the ground to provide an option and complimenting forward mix well.

The go to man in a crisis. 8

Hamish Hartlett

A rollercoaster year for the star midfielder as he grows accustomed to life with a minder close by.

The beauty is he has fronted for every game and issues of the past appear behind him.

In defence or in the midfield if not closely watched will tear this game apart. 8

Matthew Lobbe

Great year from the Power bigman and he has made the ruck duties his own.

At just 24 is nearing the best years of his football life.

Needs to add a few more contested marks to his armoury but will be a handful for Crow Sam Jacobs. 7

Brad Ebert

Somewhat of a quiet achiever at Alberton.

Ranks second in tackles (77) and third in disposals (403) but regularly handed different roles.

No-fuss attitude, is all class, what a difference he has made. 8

Kane Cornes

Another very good year from the Power veteran.

Defensive jobs have been the order of the day and an afternoon on Scott Thompson or Patty Dangerfield will not surprise.

The No. 1 at Alberton for disposals and tackles says it all. 8

Ollie Wines

May not be the Rising Star but that says more about Gold Coast's Jaeger O'Meara than it does about Wines.

Tough kid who gets contested footy where few others do.

May be tiring after a standout year so Hinkley may use him sparingly. 7

Domenic Cassisi

Great to see the ex-skipper back and having an influence after a tough year with injury.

Having an impact offensively and defensively when he's right.

Will get a job today and Richard Douglas may be the one. 6

Kane Mitchell

So much to like about the super-sub and the way he appears to have accepted his role in 2013.

Impacts a game like few others.

Big engine and knows where the goals are. A danger man. 7

Andrew Moore

Have enjoyed his season as his game evolves.

Great size and shape for the modern game and has plenty of weapons at his disposal.

Strong at the contest and capable of causing some damage. 7

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