JUSTIN WESTHOFF might be the oldest player on Port Adelaide’s list but even after 12 seasons and 21 Showdowns, the veteran utility still looks forward to taking on the Power’s cross-town rivals Adelaide.

Westhoff has been on the winning side of the ledger in nine Showdown matches including the most recent win in Showdown XLIV which came thanks to six goals from Robbie Gray and a last-minute winner from Steven Motlop.

The 31-year-old hasn’t missed a game this season and he could be a key figure when the Power meets the Crows on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s always good to play against Adelaide and play well… and stick it up them every chance you can,” he told Rowey and Bicks FIVEaa.

“It’s getting towards the pointy end of the season and everyone’s trying to win games and find their way through the season still so it’s probably come at a perfect time for both clubs.

“There’s no more important game for both clubs, which is great, it’s going to be a pretty fiercely contested game.”

Showdown XLV is an Adelaide home game, meaning Power supporters will be in the minority.

Westhoff says the home crowd support can drive a side, and it will be important to silence the crowd early.

“You need to get off to a good start in a Showdown and really put that side of the game out of it,” he said.

“Obviously they’re going to be coming out in droves to get Adelaide over the line and probably when you go anywhere interstate or away you put a focus on that and it’s going to be more evident this week.

“We need to come out of the blocks early and silence the crowd and not have those momentum swings in the game where you can kind of ride off the atmosphere of the game and the Adelaide Crows crowd bring that more so than anyone else.

“They’ll be fired up and if we can put the pressure on early that will hopefully go a long way to us winning the game.”

Westhoff is on track to record a career-best season in 2018, surpassing his career averages for kicks, handballs, disposals, marks, hit-outs and tackles.

He has put his form down to having a “really enjoyable year” surrounded by a good group of teammates.

“Getting a few fresh faces in there I think has really rejuvenated the group and I’ve just been able to enjoy playing this year,” he said.

“Obviously winning goes a long way to getting that enjoyment but even with the ups and downs this year it’s still been enjoyable with the guys we’ve got on the park at the moment.

“I’ve probably enjoyed being that older guy and helping these younger guys coming through.”

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