A new chapter in SA’s biggest sporting rivalry is about to be written with Port Adelaide and Adelaide’s AFL and AFLW teams competing for the same Showdown shield. 

In recognition of the long-standing partnership with Variety, the new shield will sit at the centre of the biggest games in the SA football calendar, and will be presented for the first time at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night at Showdown LV. 

The modern design features Variety’s core values of equality, joy, community, and action as well as handprints that symbolise the significant number of children Variety supports each year.  

Port Adelaide Football Club CEO, Matthew Richardson said the club was proud of the partnership, the new shield, and the impact Power Community Limited’s (PCL) Community Youth Program (CYP) is having with Variety’s ongoing support.  

“The introduction of Port Adelaide’s AFLW team two seasons ago has allowed the rivalry between the two clubs to grow, and we’re pleased that the new Showdown shield will be played for across both our AFL and AFLW teams,” Mr. Richardson said. 

Young fans Jesem Hayal, 10 and Eslie McBride, 5 pose with the new Showdown shield. Image: Brett Hartwig/The Advertiser.

Variety have also recently extended their partnership with PCL's healthy lifestyle education program, CYP, the longest running community program in the AFL. 

“Variety’s support of PCL over many years has been significant.  

“Their backing has contributed to the overall social impact the CYP program has on young people across the state, while also unlocking additional opportunities for students to engage with the program's curriculum.  

“While the rivalry on-field is unquestionably fierce, both clubs are equally as united off-field in supporting Variety and the incredible impact they have on children across SA.” 

Variety supports kids and families who are facing many challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with disability. Its work allows kids to gain mobility and get out and about in the community, as well as communicate, achieve independence, and increase their self-esteem. 

Port Adelaide will host Showdown LVI in Round 23 at Adelaide Oval. Dates and times of the fixture will be confirmed in the coming weeks.