‘It’s definitely not just another game,’ says Port Adelaide’s Tom Jonas of Showdown 45

PORT Adelaide key defender Tom Jonas has added fuel to the Showdown 45 fire by declaring he “hates” the Crows.

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PORT Adelaide defender Tom Jonas has added to the Showdown 45 fire by declaring he “hates” the Crows.

“It’s definitely not just another game,’’ he said as the two teams prepare to break their 22-22 derby deadlock at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

“It’s funny because I used to be a huge Crows fan, especially in the 1997-98 (premiership) days, but it didn’t take me long to turn on the Crows (when he was rookie-listed in 2011).

“We hate them and want to beat them. There is a bit of a chip on your shoulder and a lot of pride at stake, so it’s always a huge game.’’

One of the Power’s most important players and in All-Australian contention, Jonas returned from missing just three matches following keyhole surgery to clear loose fragments from his left knee in the 44-point win against the Western Bulldogs in icy Ballarat on Sunday.

He said he pulled up “remarkably well’’ and is in good condition to take on Adelaide where his height (189cm) and versatility will allow him to play on Crows pocket rocket and Showdown showman Eddie Betts or key forward and captain Taylor Walker.

“I was pretty nervous going into the game and got rested with about 10 minutes to go but I’m feeling a lot better for the run, which is probably a good thing with the Showdown coming up,’’ Jonas told Sportsday SA.

He said the club had punted on him at training in order to get back him back on the field for the run into the finals as Port tries to secure a precious top four spot.

Initial reports had him missing as many six games with the knee injury he suffered against St Kilda in round 16.

“I’ve got to hand it to our fitness staff and medical team because they really pushed it and every time I went a little bit more (at training) it pulled up well, so we probably took the risk a little bit and it paid off,’’ Jonas said.

“I was back in pretty quick time, which was nice.’’

Jonas said the Power is desperate to finish in the top four to give it a genuine chance at winning its first premiership since 2004.

“We want to go deep into September,’’ he said.

“We have been pushing for that for a little while and we have copped a little bit of flack for underachieving so we are keen to make amends and prove some of the doubters wrong.’’

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