It is not the derby many expected, but Showdown 45 still has much on the line - and plenty to anticipate
SHOWDOWN 45 could put Port Adelaide more firmly in the AFL top four - or leave the Power in ninth spot. There is still so much on the line in this derby that is working to an unexpected script.
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IF - as we say - Showdowns are to savour no matter where the derby rivals are on the premiership ladder, then it should not matter that Saturday’s 45th clash of the SA-based AFL rivals are in unexpected positions.
It is Port Adelaide - rather than the Crows - seeking to stay in the frame for a top-four finish to September’s top-eight finals. The fourth-ranked Power (12-6) must win the derby to stay in the top four - or run the risk of falling to ninth.
And Adelaide (9-9) enters the second derby of the season without relevance to the finals race for the first time since 2013 (when it was 12th, as the Crows are today). That Showdown - No. 35 - was a classic as the derby came to a close at Football Park with the dramatic plays by Port Adelaide in time-on, best remembered with Angus Monfries’ off-break goal at the northern end.
It is not the script many expected at the start of the year when 2017 grand finalist Adelaide was to be top-four contender - and the Power was to be scrambling for a finals berth. But there is still much to anticipate in Showdown 45.
The top-five moments to savour:
1. SELECTION
Does Crows coach Don Pyke - more so with the loss of Paul Seedsman (hamstring) - recall Brodie Smith now that the long-kicking, line-breaking defender has played two SANFL games in his return from a serious knee injury? Or is it best to protect Smith for when it counts next season?
2. RUCK
Port Adelaide has successfully returned All-Australian ruckman Patrick Ryder from injury - and his duels with Sam Jacobs have become one of the great rivalries within the Showdown. It was 39-32 in Ryder’s favour on hit-outs in Showdown 44 - and Jacobs is a proud competitor who thrives on the challenge to respond.
3. BULL RING
Who will be the key midfielder in a derby that demands strength in the contest? Vice-captain Ollie Wines and Sam Powell-Pepper in the Port Adelaide blue corner against vice-captain Rory Sloane and Matt Crouch in the red corner.
The fans can hope the umpires’ microphones catch as much of the banter between Crouch and Powell-Pepper as possible.
4. OLD SCHOOL
There is one one-on-one duel to satisfy the old guard that clamours for classic match-ups of forwards against defenders - Port Adelaide key forward Charlie Dixon against Crows full back Daniel Talia.
Dixon made a strong statement with his five-goal return - and strong marking - in tricky conditions at Ballarat on Sunday. Talia remains so reliable and effective as a stopper, even while carrying a fracture in his shin.
5. X-FACTOR
Will Eddie Betts again torment Port Adelaide? He kicked three goals in Showdown 45. He has kicked 3.0, 4.4, 3.1, 5.2 and 5.1 in the past five derbies to repeatedly test Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley to find a match-up for Betts. Who gets the role this time? And does Pyke leave Betts around the goalfront rather than continue to work him around the centre square?
michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au