‘Pack the Oval out for Showdown,’ Nicks says

The hot tip is there’ll be 54,000 people at the Adelaide Oval on Friday night. One man wants to put that figure beyond doubt.

Stakes are even higher for Friday’s history-making Showdown between the Crows and Port Adelaide.

Both teams are coming into the match without a win this season – and will be champing for victory in front of a capacity crowd at Adelaide Oval.

Only a few hundred tickets remain for tonight’s round 3 match, which is a Crows home game and is tipped to attract up to 54,000 fans.

Crows coach Matthew Nicks said he hoped supporters would “pack out” the stadium. “I hope people are excited about getting out and getting involved,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get a good crowd on Friday night, and with our young group, they just thrive off that atmosphere, they love it and it gives them another lift.” Port Adelaide cheer squad member Dave Shelley, who has never missed a Showdown, said Port’s TAC (The Alberton Crowd) would take up “the majority of the hill with their colours and flags”.

Brothers Riley and Lachie Draper-Shaw. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“This is a little strange, both (teams) coming from 0-2 starts, so we expect just as much spice to it as if it were an entry into the finals,” he said.

“We’re just as nervous; they’ll be just as hard at the ball, and we can’t wait. We’ll be there ’til the end, celebrating.”

The rivalry is already brewing for Crows fan Riley Draper-Show, 9, and his 11-year-old brother Lachie, who barracks for Port.

They got an early taste of the atmosphere yesterday, when they stepped onto the Oval in their favourite team’s colours, thanks to Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Riley has a rare genetic disease that affects his movement and sight.

“(Riley) had a ball, he had his leg braces on (yesterday) … he practises his little kicks,” said the boys’ mum, Shannon Shaw. “Lachie is an avid Port supporter and Riley is Crows – there’ll be some rilvary!”

The clubs will play for the Variety Showdown Shield.

Originally published as ‘Pack the Oval out for Showdown,’ Nicks says