Brenton Sanderson says Adelaide’s decision to omit experienced defender Ben Rutten is a ‘calculated risk’ as the Crows prepare for Balfours Showdown XXXVII.

Sanderson acknowledged the Crows were taking a chance in dropping a player of Rutten's experience for such an important match, but said the Club had defensive options around the ground to step up if Port's forwards took control.

"[Dropping Rutten's] always a risk because 'Truck' has been one of our most important defenders over the club's history and he's a 200-game player and he's got plenty of talent," he said.

"But hopefully it's a calculated risk.”

Sanderson also flagged the possibility that both the returning Tom Lynch and key forward Josh Jenkins would be required in defence, in the absence of the rested Ben Rutten.

"We've also got Jenkins and (James) Podsiadly who have played back for us this year as well.

"We've got three tall forwards, if the conditions don't suit and Ken (Hinkley’s) talls are getting hold of us we've got other options as well.

"(Brent) Reilly and (Brodie) Smith can also play tall so we have got plenty of backup plans."

As important as Sunday's game is for both sides, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley described it as just another step in the Power's "progression".

"We've been a side that's really consistent all year and we need to make sure we do that again this weekend," he said.

"We're not focusing any further ahead.

"It's a Showdown and we know it's an important ga me in the state and we don't lose sight of that all, but we also understand it's the next game in our season, our progression."

Hinkley talked down the club’s favouritism heading into Sunday's Showdown. The Power sit a win clear at the top of the table, while the Crows are fighting to keep their finals hopes a mathematical possibility.

Hinkley said Adelaide had the ability to cause a boilover on Sunday, and said the Crows at their best remain one of the most dangerous sides in the League.

 "Their form's been a little bit up and down, but their best form is as good as any team in the competition," Hinkley said.

"They've beaten North (Melbourne), they've beaten Collingwood – they've got form on the board at Adelaide Oval which is really scary for us and we need to make sure we bring our best."