The ramifications of the upcoming Showdown for the Power and Crows’ runs home

Showdowns are big enough but the next clash between the Crows and Power could have big implications come the end of the season. We analyse the run home for both clubs.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Connor Rozee of the Power is tackled by Sam Berry of the Crows during the 2023 AFL Round 03 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on April 1, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Showdowns are always big, regardless of where Adelaide and Port Adelaide are on the ladder.

But there will be even more on the line when the Crows and Power meet at the end of this month with the latest instalment of the fierce rivalry set to have significant ramifications for the two club’s seasons.

While both clubs are either entrenched in the eight (the Power) or pushing for it (the Crows), the Showdown in three weeks time could be vital in each of them achieving their goals from the regular season.

The Power are pushing for a top two spot, and even for the minor premiership with Ken Hinkley’s side level on points with Collingwood as a result of their stunning 13-match winning run.

For the Crows they have dropped out of the eight after their loss to Essendon, but are just two points off Geelong and a win behind the Bombers, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs.

So who has the most to lose in the latest instalment of what is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, rivalry in the AFL.

Adelaide will be desperate for another Showdown win (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

THE CROWS

After the loss to the Bombers the Crows will now come into the clash at the end of this month with the most at stake.

If how this season has been going for Matthew Nicks’ side continues then they will beat GWS at Adelaide Oval but then their away woes will continue against Melbourne at the MCG.

After the Showdown they face a trip to Brisbane, in which few would expect them to win, while they also have home games against Gold Coast and Sydney they should triumph in and an away game against the struggling West Coast to end the season.

Wins over GWS, Gold Coast, Sydney and West Coast will give the Crows 12 wins.

This could be enough for the Crows to sneak into finals and the Eagles game could be a big percentage booster.

But to get to the 13 win mark, that many are predicting will be enough for a finals spot unless a rival falters, it looks like the Crows will have to win the Showdown.

THE POWER

The Power’s stunning 13-match winning run pretty much has them locked into a top three spot.

But can they hold onto a top two spot and a home qualifying final?

Before the Showdown the Power will face two big challenges to their winning run.

Carlton’s resurgence now has the Blues back in the finals race and their twin towers of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay could cause trouble for an undersized Power backline at Marvel this Saturday.

And then there is the Power’s huge clash against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval next week, in what very well could be a grand final preview.

Adelaide Oval holds no fear for the Magpies, who have won their last seven games at the venue - although none of these games have been against the Power.

The Power have been flying. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Should the Power go down to the Pies, with away trips to Geelong and Fremantle to come it does make things a little bit more uncomfortable regarding their chances of a top two finish.

The Power haven’t won at Geelong for eight games, while at Optus Stadium they have lost their last three so those games aren’t nailed on wins for Ken Hinkley’s side - although Fremantle are struggling.

The Power should be able to win enough games to secure a top two spot, a Showdown win would make their position a lot more comfortable.

IF THE CROWS WIN THE SHOWDOWN

If Adelaide can triumph in the Showdown then an end to the Crows’ finals drought will be right in sight for Nicks’ side.

After going down to Essendon the Crows will likely need to beat one of Melbourne at the MCG, Port Adelaide in the Showdown and Brisbane at the Gabba.

Given how well they have played at Adelaide Oval this year the Showdown might be the Crows best chance, with it also being their home game.

A win would most likely have them finishing in the top eight at the expense of the Cats, who will be made to rue that draw with Sydney.

If the Power lose it shouldn’t result in them not getting a top-two spot.

But Brisbane will be breathing down their necks the entire way.

IF THE POWER WIN THE SHOWDOWN

There will be an extra feeling of satisfaction at Alberton.

Not only would they have secured a top two spot and the perks of home finals that come from that but they would have also pretty much spelled the end for the Crows chances of making the top eight.

It would also mean that there would be no change to the current top eight.

From this it is simple, the Crows have the most to lose in the latest instalment of the iconic rivalry.

More often than not city and state pride if on the line.

At the end of this month, the stakes will be lifted up a notch or two.