Port Adelaide has made a Showdown statement, smashing Adelaide by 55 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
A week after getting labelled as unreliable and untrustworthy after a disappointing loss to the Western Bulldogs, the Power made amends in brilliant fashion against their cross-town rivals, running away comfortable winners, 15.11 (101) to 5.14 (44).
The Power did the damage in a dynamic second half, booting nine goals to one, to stun the pro-Crows crowd of 50,544 fans.
It was Adelaide’s lowest score in a Showdown and just Port’s second win in the past 10 encounters between the clubs, bringing the overall ledger back to 23-24 in 47 meetings.
The Power are now back in the top eight after moving to an 8-7 record, ahead of the Crows (8-7) on percentage.
Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray turned on yet another special Showdown performance to claim a record fifth Showdown Medal, finishing with 35 disposals and 10 clearances.
He received great support from ball magnet Tom Rockliff (36 disposals) and co-captain Ollie Wines, who responded to calls for him to be dropped with 33 touches.
Veteran Brad Ebert was dangerous up forward with three goals, while Sam Gray, Connor Rozee and Dougal Howard kicked two each.
Crows co-captain Taylor Walker was his side's only multiple goal-kicker with two, but he was well-held by Power defender Tom Clurey for the majority of the game.
Veteran Justin Westhoff was strong in his first game back since being dumped to the reserves, playing on a wing and also spending time up forward.
Ruckman Scott Lycett battled manfully in his absorbing contest with Reilly O'Brien, despite injuring his knee in the first quarter.
Riley Bonner and Darcy Byrne-Jones provided bounce off half-back as the Power used plenty of handballs to cut the Crows apart.
Wayne Milera was lively, Hugh Greenwood worked hard at the contest, Matt and Brad Crouch tried manfully in the midfield and Rory Laird was important in defence.
The Crows paid the price for wasteful kicking at goal in the first half, going into the main break down by three points – 4.11 (35) to 6.2 (38) – despite having 15 scoring shots to eight.
They were a man down for the second half when forward Jordan Gallucci didn't return due to concussion.
MEDICAL ROOM
Adelaide: Key back Daniel Talia hobbled off the ground with a suspected right ankle injury early in the second quarter, but returned after having it strapped. Forward Jordan Gallucci also got medical attention in the second quarter with a concussion and didn't play any further part in the game. Defender Alex Keath was involved in a collision and came off the ground. He came back on, but again went to the bench soon after for treatment. Keath returned to the game in the last quarter.
Port Adelaide: The Power were dealt a huge blow when former captain Travis Boak sustained a back spasm in the warm-up and was replaced by Sam Powell-Pepper. Ruckman Scott Lycett hurt his left knee in the first quarter. After sitting out the rest of the term, he returned to start the second quarter.
NEXT UP
Adelaide will be hoping to bounce back when it takes on strugglers Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium next Saturday night, while Port Adelaide faces another tough challenge, hosting Brisbane next Sunday.
ADELAIDE 2.7 4.11 5.12 5.14 (44)
PORT ADELAIDE 3.1 6.2 12.5 15.11 (101)
GOALS
Adelaide: Walker 2, Milera, M Crouch, Greenwood
Port Adelaide: Ebert 3, S Gray 2, Rozee 2, Howard 2, Burton, Dixon, Lycett, Westhoff, Butters, Motlop
BEST
Adelaide: Milera, Greenwood, M.Crouch, B.Crouch, Laird
Port Adelaide: R.Gray, Bonner, Clurey, Rockliff, Ebert, Byrne-Jones, Westhoff
INJURIES
Adelaide: Jordan Gallucci (concussion)
Port Adelaide: Travis Boak (back spasms) replaced in the selected side by Sam Powell-Pepper
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Nicholls, Hosking, Gianfagna
Official crowd: 50,544 at Adelaide Oval
