Adelaide is no stranger to facing a team spurred on by a milestone match.

Two weeks ago, the Crows defeated West Coast in Josh Kennedy’s final game - then, a week later, knocked off North Melbourne despite the inspiring return of Ben Cunnington.

This weekend, Robbie Gray will play his final AFL game, with acting Crows captain Brodie Smith braced for a fired up crowd at Adelaide Oval.

“We had West Coast two weeks ago for Kennedy and the focus there was to try and take the crowd out of the game early,” Smith said when asked how Gray’s retirement would impact the game and atmosphere.

“When they came right back into it, they had 50k West Coast fans going nuts.

“Over there they were cheering for Kennedy to win, but with Showdowns we know there’s hatred there as well.

“The Port fans will be very vocal on the weekend and we’re expecting a big crowd, which will be great.”

Smith captained the Club in the Round Three Showdown earlier this year, lifting the Variety Showdown Shield after Jordan Dawson’s after-the-siren winner.

The experienced Crows defender said this game, like any Showdown, would be treated just like a final.

“The atmosphere will be very finals-like, very hostile,” Smith said.

“I guess being the last game of the year as well, both teams can’t make finals…

“To finish with a Showdown win and take the bragging rights into the offseason is massive.”

As an SA local, Smith knows full well the importance of the rivalry. 

“I’ve been to almost every Showdown for 20 years,” he said.

“(To captain the Club) is really special for myself and for my family.

“I was rapt when Nicksy grabbed me last week and said I’d be doing the last two weeks (as captain).”

Showdown 52 gets underway on Saturday at 7pm.

It will follow the SANFL Showdown at Adelaide Oval, which gets underway at 3.20pm.