SUMMARY
Saturday’s SANFL Showdown VIII illustrates just how close the competition is this year at SANFL level. The Crows sit in sixth spot on the League ladder but could replace Port Adelaide in second place with victory this week, pending other results. Port Adelaide has hit shaky ground in the past fortnight after a stellar run of form. The Magpies have lost their past two games by an average of five goals, albeit against quality opposition in reigning premiers Sturt and ladder leaders Woodville-West Torrens. An undermanned SANFL Crows side was punished by the Double Blues last round and will be targeting a return to the winner’s list this weekend.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Adelaide: 3
Port Adelaide: 4
WHERE AND WHEN: Alberton Oval, Saturday July 8, 2.40pm ACST
BROADCAST INFO: Live on Channel 7 Adelaide, coverage begins at 2.30pm ACST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2017, Adelaide 8.11 (59) d by Port Adelaide 14.10 (94) at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval
R18, 2016, Port Adelaide 12.7 (79) d by Adelaide 16.8 (104) at Alberton Oval
R2, 2016, Adelaide 15.14 (104) d Port Adelaide 10.14 (74) at Mannum Oval
R11, 2015, Port Adelaide 10.9 (69) d by Adelaide 13.11 (89) at Alberton Oval
R7, 2015, Adelaide 15.9 (99) d by Port Adelaide 20.14 (134) at Balaklava Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Magpies were too strong for the SANFL Crows in the last meeting between the teams in Round Four earlier this season, winning by 35 points. Hugh Greenwood had a team-best 27 possessions while Paul Hunter and Elliott Himmelberg kicked two goals apiece.
2. Just one win separates Adelaide (6-5) in sixth place and Port Adelaide (7-4) in second spot on the SANFL ladder.
3. Young Crows defender Tom Doedee had eight rebound 50ms in last week’s loss to Sturt – ranked No.1 at SANFL level.
4. Reigning Ken Farmer Medallist Brett Eddy of Port Adelaide currently leads the SANFL’s goalkicking table with 34 majors for the season.
5. Port Adelaide moves the ball efficiently by foot. The Magpies are first in the SANFL for marks (1171) and effective kicks (1673) by a considerable margin.
6. Tough onballer Dean Gore has more smothers than anyone else in the SANFL this season with 12 – four more than the next-best player.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Paul Hunter
The rookie-listed ruckman must stand tall this week in the absence of injured teammate Reilly O’Brien. Hunter battled bravely in last week’s loss to Sturt, recording a season-best 26 hit-outs and 19 disposals along with seven inside 50ms and five clearances in one of his best outings as a Crow. The 200cm, 100kg ruckman is athletic for his size and needs another big game for Adelaide to push the Magpies at home this Saturday.
