KEN HINKLEY has lived the Showdown 18 times, knowing the derby ignores the build-up to challenge everyone - coaches, players and even the fans who have to make a choice on where they stand in Australian football's deepest rivalry.
His players, in particular captain Tom Jonas, have drawn the line in that clear divide.
"(Now) our responsibility is to turn up and perform," Hinkley said at Adelaide Oval on Friday, the eve Showdown LII - the season-closer for both derby rivals and the end to the 16-season grand career of Showdown specialist Robbie Gray.
"Actions during the game matter the most. That is what we have to live by.
"We know the great history of the Showdown ... and nothing is taken for granted in Showdowns."
Jonas, vice-captain Ollie Wines and deputy vice-captain Darcy Byrne-Jones, who plays his 150th AFL game on Saturday night, have defined Showdown LII by reinforcing there is great feeling on the neighbourhood rival.
"What is a sporting rivalry - it is just that a 'sporting' rivalry," Hinkley said. "The players' views on what we think of each other in this town is clear - and has been clear for a lot longer before me (arriving at Port Adelaide in October 2012) and will be after me as well.
"We enjoy the dislike of the Crows ...
"There is honesty in how our players talk. That is how they must feel (about the rivalry). And they have spoken that way. It is not manufactured. And we don't need to do that for Showdowns. Showdowns bring out these conversations - this is a Showdown.
"You are who you are. And this is who we are."
Hinkley questions how the Showdown could become any fiercer by the leadership group's assessment of the neighbour.
"These games are always loaded up - there is no extra spice," Hinkley said. "It has made for an interesting 'dead rubber'. Hasn't it?"
At selection, Port Adelaide's match committee made one change to the team that beat Essendon by a season-high 84-point margin. Defender Riley Bonner moves out of the game 22 to allow the return of Showdown specialist Robbie Gray for his 271st and final AFL game.
The defence does not add a tall defender with the recall of Trent McKenzie to support Jonas and All-Australian Aliir Aliir. This challenges Ryan Burton and Dan Houston to play "taller" against the opposition's three tall forwards of Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty.
"We have looked at what is the best model for us at this time," Hinkley said. "Trent McKenzie has not been in his greatest form. Tom Clurey is unavailable (by knee surgery). We have had to play with two tall (defenders rather than three) for a long period of my journey here. It is not unusual for us - and we think it is the best opportunity for us to win the game."
Port Adelaide maintains the makeshift ruck battery led by key forward Jeremy Finlayson, who has proven to be a block to opposition ruckmen and an extra midfielder when following up on the ground contest.
"How much has Jeremy surpassed our expectation in ruck? That is off the charts," Hinkley said. "But as a player, we thought he was a talented player coming to our club (from Greater Western Sydney). And we were lucky to get him. He has been a real bonus for us - and ridiculously good for us in ruck."
Gray will leave Adelaide Oval on Saturday night after his 22nd derby with Hinkley noting the Showdown becomes a "marvellous way to recognise Robbie's contribution to our football club".
"We probably will never get a player as great as Rob," Hinkley said. "It is a significant moment.
"We also know that once the game starts, milestones (as for Byrne-Jones) and farewell moments don't count for that much. If there is, it will be for Robbie Gray. I know how much Robbie's team-mates care about him.
"It is a Showdown, always a big game. It is Robbie Gray's last game. Romantically, I want to see Robbie Gray win. That's all we want to see.
"Robbie will never show (his emotions) ... maybe at home. He will put everyone in front of himself - and he has done that this week with everything he has had to do and not wanted to do. And we know Rob will do his absolute best for his footy team. This week is no different ... He will be wanting to get out there to play."
Acting Adelaide captain Brodie Smith brought into question this week the difference in styles of the derby rivals, emphasising Adelaide's keenness for contested football and Port Adelaide's power in the uncontested game.
Hinkley takes Smith's analysis as part of the "sporting rivalry" theme that underlines the Showdown.
"I don't take any notice of what is said about us," Hinkley said. "You are looking for an upper hand when you are the opposition. We are looking for that ... (so is Smith).
"(Adelaide coach and former Port Adelaide senior assistant coach) Matthew Nicks would know we are a contested football team. That is a reality. Brodie is allowed his opinion.
"We lost (Showdown LI by four points - and the contested-ball figures in that April 1 derby), so we feel challenged by Adelaide because that rivalry is at 26-25 (in Port Adelaide's favour) ... it is the tightest and greatest rivalry in our game.
"Showdowns always are fierce contests. And not just on the field ...
"This is what rivalries are meant to be. They are meant to be intimidating. They are moments you look forward to ... and moments when you question what is going to happen. So, we are all looking forward to the start. It will be an interesting game, I am sure. Both teams have not reached the level they wanted to this year. That is one thing we are playing for.
"The first five minutes of every Showdown are crazy. It's on. And that is what this one will be."
Port Adelaide does need to atone for the four-point loss in Showdown LI on April 1 and is challenged to avoid losing two derbies in the same season for the first time since 2017.
"Our motivation is to not lose any game, to not lose any Showdown," Hinkley said. "I have had 10 years of Showdowns. I know what it is like to lose a lot in a row; I know what it is like to win some in a row. I know what it is like to lose one in a row. You don't want to lose Showdowns.
"Both teams will not want to lose the game."
Holding the Showdown Trophy on Saturday night will be matched with holding new hope for Season 2023.
"You always want to get some momentum going into your next season," Hinkley said. "I don't like finishing the season now. If we can win a Showdown, it gives us something to go forward with to 2023. Not much. But something."
Season 2023 also will begin with a new player squad at Alberton. Free agent Karl Amon remains uncontracted at Port Adelaide.
"We have not hidden from (the prospect of losing Amon to free agency) and if this is his last game for Karl, we hope it is a winning one," Hinkley said.
"This has played out in a very mature way. Our conversations have been very open and very clear from us and Karl. We respect each other's position in the decision-making process."
The match begins at 7pm.
