This is remembered as one of Mark Ricciuto’s Showdowns.
South Australia’s two AFL teams had a terrible start to the 2000 season – both winning only one of their first six games - and 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 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 late in the last quarter.
“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”.
Peter Vardy kicked the first two goals of the last term and Andrew McLeod’s class shone through as the Crows stormed to the front.
Adelaide 4.1 6.3 8.9 14.14 (98)
Port 6.3 10.8 12.10 13.13 (91)