Stopping Adelaide genius Eddie Betts isn't a task Port Adelaide's defenders are keen to take on in Saturday night's top-of-the-table Showdown at Adelaide Oval.

"They're not really queuing up for that job, I don't blame them," Power coach Ken Hinkley said on Friday.

"We've spent a lot of time thinking about Eddie and Tex (Crows captain Taylor Walker) and the all the boys up there.

"They're a great forward line group.

"We've got great faith in the young blokes that have been playing there and we get to bring Hamish (Hartlett) back, who's an important and experienced player."

Team: Jenkins sidelined for Showdown

Betts has made a habit of tormenting the Power, booting 24 goals in his six previous Showdowns since joining the Crows in 2014.

Tom Jonas or Darcy Byrne-Jones will likely start on Betts, while Jarman Impey might also be thrown back into defence after moving further up the ground last season.

One Crows forward the Power won't have to worry about is Josh Jenkins, who was ruled out on Thursday night with a rib injury.

Coach Don Pyke said it wasn’t worth risking the key forward and Jenkins’ focus was now on preparing for next week’s clash with Essendon.

"Josh walked some laps on Wednesday and we had a run with him yesterday morning and he was still sore and ginger," Pyke said.

"It was clear he wouldn't be available this week, so we made the decision to not pick him and get him ready for the following week.

"It was just a bridge to the far this week given the incident and how he was presenting.

"He'll do some work tomorrow, which will allow him to be ready in a week's time."


The Power held a light training session at Alberton Oval on Friday morning, while the Crows trained at Football Park.

Power midfielder Matt White is on standby, while fellow emergencies Nathan Krakouer and Joe Atley will play for the Port Magpies in the opening round of the SANFL against Glenelg on Friday night.

Defender Jasper Pittard will also play for the Magpies in his first game back from a hamstring injury.

A capacity crowd of more than 50,000 is expected for the 42nd edition of the Showdown with the two sides sitting first and second on the ladder.

The Power – top on percentage – hold a narrow 21-20 advantage, but the Crows have won the past three games.

"The Power have had a couple of really strong wins (to start the year)," Pyke said.

"They've made some changes to the way they played last season and we get the opportunity to play a really good side in a big game.

"Showdowns always have a little extra feel to them."