Coach Don Pyke says the late changes to Port Adelaide’s team are unlikely to influence how the Crows line up in Showdown XL on Saturday.

On Friday, the Power withdrew both Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) and Jay Schulz (back) from their selected side to take on Adelaide. The injured pair was replaced by Aaron Young and promising 199cm forward/ruckman Dougal Howard, who will make his AFL debut.

At the selection table earlier in the week, the Crows recalled key defender Kyle Hartigan to help combat Port Adelaide’s three-pronged tall attack of Schulz, Justin Westhoff and recruit Charlie Dixon.

Pyke indicated that Adelaide would stick with the team named on Thursday night.

“We spoke about it after training today when we became aware of it (the changes), and we’ll continue on our plan,” Pyke said on Friday afternoon.

“The two boys they’ve brought in, Aaron Young and Dougal Howard the first gamer, they’re like-for-like replacements (for Hartlett and Schulz). From a size viewpoint, we’re still dealing with the same size (player as Schulz) just obviously different in terms of experience (with Howard).

“Last week, we went smaller with Hartigan missing out (on selection). This week, looking at Port’s forward line and assessing the game from last week, we felt bringing Kyle back in was the right balance and mix for us.

“Our guys will roll over (onto different opponents) as they normally do. We’ll adjust as we need to down there based on the three talls, and then there might times when there aren’t three talls on the ground as well.”

Power coach Ken Hinkley said he’d been impressed by Howard, who will help Matthew Lobbe in his ruck battle with star Crow Sam Jacobs and the in-form Josh Jenkins.

“Dougal will play as a forward and probably spend some time in the ruck, as probably will ‘Jacko’ (Trengove),” Hinkley said.

“We know the talent of (Sam) Jacobs in the ruck and we’re very mindful of that.”

Pyke also reaffirmed Crows captain Taylor Walker, who was in a moon boot over the weekend, would take his place in the team on Saturday.

Hartigan replaces veteran Nathan van Berlo, who was omitted. Pyke said the selection pressure at West Lakes was creating a serious competition for spots in the best 22.

“We’re in a really fortunate position. I think we’ve got 20 guys playing SANFL footy on Sunday,” he said.

“Clearly, there’s pressure on guys to continue to perform to keep their spots and that’s healthy.”

Both South Australian-based AFL teams were involved in high-scoring ‘shootouts’ in Round One.

Pyke acknowledged Adelaide’s team defence remained a work in progress, and said pressure on the ball would be a key to winning the Showdown.

“For us, it’s about playing the way that we want to play, and recognising how Port want to play and looking for ways we can exploit their style of play,” Pyke said.

“The game fundamentally, especially in a Showdown early, is going to be about the contest.”

Two-time Showdown Medallist, Jacobs – who also finished second in the Phil Walsh Medal voting in Round 16 last season – relishes the fierce rivalry with Port Adelaide.

In the opposing camp, livewires Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard and the versatile Westhoff are among the Power’s proven Showdown performers.

Pyke was looking forward to seeing which ‘Showdown Specialists’ stepped up this time around.

“For me, that’s guys who rise to the occasion and want to perform well on the big stage. We’ve got a number of those in our team as well (as Port),” he said.

“That’s one of the challenges both teams will face tomorrow … the game has slightly higher significance and therefore you want your better players to play well.

“They (the Showdowns) are great games. They come with a high level of excitement and anticipation from the fans and the players. We expect no different tomorrow.”