Was this the greatest performance by a Crow in a Showdown?

Mark Ricciuto won the first medal awarded in South Australia’s derby when he led Adelaide to a remarkable win over Port in Showdown VII early in the 2000 season.

Both teams had a terrible start to the 2000 season. Adelaide lost its first five games before thrashing Hawthorn in Round Six to sit in 14th spot, while Port was 15th with the same win-loss ratio.

Showdown VII was therefore a fight for pride and an opportunity for one of the teams to revive their season. Adelaide appeared to be heading for another loss when the Power led by 29 points at half-time and then kicked the first two goals of the third term to lead by 42 points.

But from this point the Crows added eight of the next nine goals to win by seven points. At the centre of the stirring revival was vice-captain Ricciuto, a regular star in Showdowns. One of the few Crows to stand up against Port’s dominance in the first half, the midfielder became the matchwinner by collecting 41 disposals, 11 clearances and four goals, including a snap over his shoulder to give Adelaide the lead for the first time.

Peter Vardy started the last quarter rush with two goals in four minutes and Andrew McLeod completed the charged to secure the seven-point win.

“We got out of this game with some pretty special things and commitment from the 22,” coach Gary Ayres said. “Ricciuto’s game was first-class”.

Showdown VII
Adelaide: 14.14 (98)
Port Adelaide: 13.13 (91)