THE 35th Balfours Showdown is the last at AAMI Stadium and promises to be an absolute cracker as both Port Adelaide and the Crows go head-to-head for one final derby win at West Lakes.

Port Adelaide
Form: WWWWWLLLLLWWWLLWW
Ranked: 8th

Adelaide Crows
Form: LWLWLLWWWLLLWLLWL
Ranked: 12th

Last time
Port Adelaide comes from 31 points down to draw level with the Crows at three-quarter time and pace out to a thrilling victory in front of its ‘home’ crowd.

Round 3, 2013: Port Adelaide 17.16 (118) def Adelaide Crows 16.13 (109) at AAMI Stadium

Form Guide

Past 5: Power 2 v Crows 3
Past 34: Power 18 v Crows 6

The fine print

AFL Round 19 – Balfours Showdown XXXV
Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows
Sunday 4 August
AAMI Stadium
Turner Drive, West Lakes SA
First bounce: 2:45pm (ACST)
Live Social: #pafclive #aflcrowspower
After match function at The Port Club, Queen Street, Alberton
Match information
Broadcast guide

The three

1. Justin Westhoff
Westhoff has become the Power’s Showdown specialist since the departure of former protagonist Chad Cornes. He has had a stellar year for the Power and matured into a capable utility who can play anywhere on the ground. He booted four goals in the Round 3 win over the Crows, is a former Showdown medallist and will be a crucial cog in Port’s machine on Sunday.

2. Chad Wingard
Wingard was instrumental in Port’s come-from-behind win against the Crows earlier in the year and is primed for a big game on Sunday. Wingard is able to burst a game open at his best, and still manages to service the needs of the team at his worst - he's been both consistent and competitive this year. He kicked three goals last time and there is no reason why he won't be dangerous again this weekend.

3. Travis Boak
The Power’s captain was superb against Brisbane last Sunday and as the reigning Showdown medallist will want to continue his good form against the Crows. Along with Wingard, Boak has been a massive contributor all year and his natural competitiveness is an important trait in a big local derby. Expect to see the skipper lead from the front.

Final Word

While the homes, offices and classrooms of the city of churches will be buzzing with anticipation ahead of Sunday,  this Balfours Showdown is, in many facets, just another game for the Power.

Meticulous preparation won’t give way to the passions a local rivalry can stir up in the hearts and minds of  players.

Ken Hinkley has managed his young team well throughout the season, so a well-prepared Port outfit will run out on Sunday afternoon, free from the expectation that a Showdown generates in the wider community.

That's not to say the passion to win won't be there - it has been for every other match in 2013 and undoubtedly the club's precarious position on the ladder is motivation enough to bring its A-game in the only 'away' game on 'home' turf for the year.

Certainly the Power has made AAMI Stadium into a fortress this year - only dropping three games locally this year and two of those were against Geelong and Hawthorn. 

But nothing will be left to chance, from the first training session early this week through selection and up until that first bounce on Sunday.

The club's coaches and players know Showdowns are always 50/50 games and Adelaide is a dangerous opponent in good form.

Few teams have knocked off Geelong this year – the Crows are one of those few.

And with the impending return of seasoned players Patrick Dangerfield and Ben Rutten, the Crows will be running into this match with a strong side.

The loss of Rory Sloane is a big blow for the Crows, but his loss is not dissimilar to the absence of the still-suspended Tom Jonas in Port’s defensive lines.

Make no mistake, the bookies have this billed as a tight game and it will be.

Current odds
Port Adelaide 1.80 – 2.00 Adelaide Crows