Adelaide v Port Adelaide: All the news ahead of Showdown 50 at Adelaide Oval

The official number of fans allowed to attend the 50th Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide is finally in. Here’s all the latest news surrounding the clash.

Port Adelaide's Captains Run at Punt Road.

Up to 15,000 fans will be allowed to attend the 50th Showdown on Saturday night.

After Adelaide Oval management agreed to stagger the entry and exits of crowds, SA Health has approved a reduced capacity for the 50th edition of the Showdown.

Approximately 12,000 will be members, seated around the stadium, while 3000 will be in hospitality areas.

Masks will have to be worn at all times except will eating and drinking, with consumption to be seated at all times.

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Port Adelaide was been met by authorities on the tarmac at Adelaide Airport on Monday. Picture: 7NEWS

The 50th Showdown has been locked in for 7.10pm at Adelaide Oval.

The AFL confirmed on Monday afternoon the time and date for the Adelaide-Port Adelaide clash following the return of both clubs to South Australia.

Port Adelaide returned to SA on Monday morning after the Crows flew back from Melbourne on Sunday after two weeks away from the state to keep the season alive.

Both teams were met on the tarmac by police.

The Crows huddle ahead of Saturday’s match in Ballarat. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

The Showdown staying in Adelaide comes as community sport can resume competition this weekend.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said crowds for those events would be limited.

“We are discouraging crowds at competitions at the moment,” he said.

Port and Crows players and staff members who have returned to SA will have to self-isolate for 48 hours and return negative tests.

They have an exemption to visit their respective clubs for training but, once they are out of self-isolation, they will need to abide by the AFL’s strict Covid-19 protocols as the league strives to get the home-and-away season finished.

Crows senior coach Matthew Nicks on Saturday noted the importance of returning to Adelaide.

“We have a diverse group, a lot of staff and players who have young families back home," he said.

“And it is tough when you away from family for a period of time, I don’t want to do any comparison to what the guys did last year, spending more time away than we have.

“But after two weeks in a hotel it will be nice to get home, we also have a lot of young guys here who I think have enjoyed being a nice hotel in Melbourne.”

Travis Boak and Ollie Wines train at Punt Rd in Melbourne last week.

Port’s game against GWS on Sunday night was set to be in Queensland, but the lockdown imposed over there forced a late change to Marvel Stadium.

Power football manager Chris Davies described the period since SA’s lockdown as “pretty crazy for us” and Saturday as “interesting”.

The Power learnt of the news from Queensland via social media and was quickly in contact with the AFL.

“Halfway through our meeting with the coaches we got the word … and things quickly changed from there,” he said.

“I got almost got to a point this morning where you’re almost not speculating on what could happen and you’re waiting for the AFL, who have done a fantastic job, to tell you what will happen.”

Davies said the Power was happy it could remain in Melbourne but would not have been bothered if it had to fly interstate on the day of the game, “despite the fact I think we’re the club that’s done it the most in the competition”.

“I think our club probably hasn’t got the credit that is due for doing that (maintaining flexibility) in a manner where we’ve managed to get results but also not whinge,” he said.

Originally published as Adelaide v Port Adelaide: All the news ahead of Showdown 50 at Adelaide Oval