Adelaide Assistant Coach Nathan van Berlo says the rivalry between the Crows and Port Adelaide is as strong as ever, with even the coaches feeling it ahead of this weekend's clash.

The Crows and the Power will battle in the 53rd Showdown this Saturday and van Berlo says the 27-year rivalry is one of the best in the AFL.

“As soon as it rolls over into a Showdown week it’s always enjoyable," van Berlo said.

“It’s the closest we can get at times to a finals game in season.

“This week will be no different, both teams coming off challenging losses and as we know form doesn’t mean a great deal going into most Showdowns.

“We’ve got to respond from our performance against them in the backend of last year and respond from last week as well, so we have a lot to work on.”

Coming off a 32-point loss against Richmond van Berlo, who played in 18 Showdowns, said it was important for the Crows to respond well this weekend.

“We feel like we know their game and what they are trying to do," van Berlo said.

“When we have got it right we have challenged with intensity, good method, good system and got our contest right, we’ve looked the team that we want to be.

“It’s about trying to maintain that system, method and rage for longer and we are hoping to do that this weekend.

“In times gone by they have been really enjoyable contests for both sets of fans and let’s hope we deliver on that again this Saturday night.”

Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide in an away Showdown at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, with the first bounce at 7pm.