Adelaide Captain Rory Sloane says a clash against the Club’s crosstown rival under lights on Friday is the perfect stage for his side to prove it can handle the pressure.
The Crows will take on Port Adelaide in Showdown LI at Adelaide Oval for a chance to claim the Variety Showdown Shield.
Speaking at the launch of the Showdown, Sloane said he was looking forward to Adelaide Oval being packed with Crows fans.
He told the media his side was focused on improving its work around the contest and was confident of a better showing against the Power.
“We’ve both lost our first two games which makes for a pretty interesting Showdown on a Friday night which is incredible,” Sloane said.
“We are hoping for a huge crowd, incredible atmosphere, we couldn’t ask for a better game.
“Where we let ourselves down on the weekend (against Collingwood) was our pressure and that sort of contest around the footy and there’s no better game than a Showdown to test yourself back out.
“(The) Showdown is a perfect opportunity to bounce back.”
Sloane was taken off in the game against Collingwood as a precaution after he aggravated his adductor but he was hopeful of being fit for the Round Two clash.
“I’m feeling reasonably confident,” Sloane said.
“Hopefully it pulls up well and we’ll assess later in the week.”
Sloane said players were disappointed in their effort at the weekend but would learn from the mistakes made.
“Our clearance numbers were fine but it was sort of what happened after that - our ability to get to the next contest, defend and just embrace the physicality of games as well,” Sloane said.
“Our skills by foot were fine, it was just that ball take and execution of hands under pressure, so that’s just one you train.
“So it (the Showdown) will be a great opportunity to respond in that area.”
Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday, with the first bounce at 7.50pm.
The Crows’ SANFL ‘Showdown’ will be a curtain raiser to the AFL clash, with Adelaide battling Port Adelaide on Friday at Adelaide Oval at 4.10pm.
