GARRY HOCKING wants another big turnout to support the Magpies at home against the Adelaide Crows in Sunday's so-called SANFL 'Showdown' at Alberton Oval.
Over 6,000 saw last year's contest at Port Adelaide's traditional home, and with the Magpies launching their second half of the season following a one-week sabbatical, the Magpie principal is promising a good game between two in-form sides.
The Crows defeated Sturt a fortnight ago and pushed second-placed Woodville-West Torrens last weekend, while the Magpies have won five straight.
MAGPIES V CROWS GAME DAY GUIDE
Hocking expects a close contest between two sides set to emulate their AFL rivalry at Alberton.
With Port Adelaide having a bye in the AFL, it is the only game for the club for supporters to see this weekend.
"We expect a big crowd to get out here," Hocking said during the week.
"There's no footy for our supporters in the AFL - its an opportunity to get out here and see a really good game between two really good sides.
"[We're] really keen against the Crows, it's our fourth contest in the Showdown from an SANFL point-of-view, it's a massive rivalry in the AFL that gets filtered through to our players."
While the Power is under scrutiny following a poor start to the season, the Magpies are a chance to heap pressure on leading SANFL sides Norwood and Woodville-West Torrens if they can continue their strong run of form.
Hocking says his players won't be distracted by their big brothers in the AFL, and are instead focussed on continuing the consistency shown against West Adelaide a fortnight ago.
"What we can do in the SANFL is worry about what we've got in front of us.
"The Magpies have been playing some really good foort, and we've got some boys in really good form.
"We're really excited about the game on Sunday.
"The West Adelaide games was probably our best performance in the last five weeks - a four-quarter effort is something we've been chasing for a while, we've been a bit inconsistent."
MID-SEASON REVIEW: Hocking assesses Maggies' form
While the prize for some might be a chance to play AFL next week, Hocking says player elevations will only be considered with typical Port Adelaide football, like consistent, hard play.
But he's expecting the Crows to be just as desperate on Sunday afternoon.
"Some boys, if they play well and ask what we want them to do in the game, and that's play hard and play for four quarters and hopefully get a win," Hocking said.
"We know the Crows have been really strong with their form against Sturt was outstanding - their second half last weekend was very good, so we know there's a challenge."
Six inclusions were made to Port Adelaide's team to play the Crows, with the first bounce at Alberton at 2:10pm.
SELECTION: Port Adelaide v Adelaide SANFL
Essential Power members can access the game for free on presentation of their membership card at the Russell Ebert (Queen Street) or Bob McLean (Brougham Place) gates on Sunday.
Regular tickets cost $14 for general admission, $8 for concessions with kids under 18 admitted free.
