SUMMARY
It’s Showdown week in the SANFL as the Magpies take on the Crows at Alberton Oval. The Magpies last game in Round 16 was a massive scalp, taking out then ladder-leaders the Eagles before a bye last weekend. The Crows are also coming off a game against the Eagles, a 20-point loss.
WHERE AND WHEN: Alberton Oval, Sunday 31 July. First Bounce: 1:40pm.
TICKETS: Tickets available at gate: Adult $14, Concession $8, Children U18 Free, Essential Power free with membership card.
LAST FIVE TIMES
2016, Round 2: Adelaide 15.14 (104) def Port Adelaide 10.14 (74) at Mannum Oval.
2015, Round 11: Adelaide 13.11 (89) def Port Adelaide 10.9 (69) at Alberton Oval.
2015, Round 7: Port Adelaide 20.14 (134) def Adelaide 15.9 (99) at Balaklava Oval.
2014, Round 14: Port Adelaide 15.16 (106) def Adelaide 7.12 (54) at Alberton Oval.
2014, Round 5: Port Adelaide 20.12 (132) def Adelaide 13.9 (87) at Clare Oval.
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these sides met was all the way back in Round 2 this year. The Magpies held a 67-58 point lead at three quarter time, but were outmuscled in the final term to go down by five goals.
2. With a bye last week Port Adelaide have added no new injuries to their list, and will be able to take on Adelaide with a relatively similar side to the one that defeated the Eagles.
3. Adelaide’s SANFL side also made it through their last game unscathed, and could be welcoming back players with Sam Shaw, Luke Lowden and Troy Menzel to face fitness tests.
4. Before the bye the Magpies had won three games in a row, their longest winning streak this year and under Chad Cornes. Since round 14 - the start of their streak – the Magpies have also been the highest scoring side in the competition.
5. After 17 rounds of the SANFL season, the Magpies sit sixth on the ladder. They are one game away from fifth placed Central District and a spot in the finals, while Adelaide are another game clear in fourth.
6. In the remaining four rounds this year the Magpies face Adelaide, North Adelaide, Glenelg and Norwood. Port could jump to fifth this weekend, but will still need to storm home at the back end of the year to secure a finals berth.
FINAL WORD
Just like their AFL counterparts, the SANFL Showdown is just as fierce. Port Adelaide are on a good run and Chad Cornes will implore them to keep playing the footy that has seen them so successful in the last month.
