Crows predict fire, braced for Power surge in Showdown
Port Adelaide are desperate to respond to their mauling from the Western Bulldogs with a bounce-back win over fierce rivals Adelaide in Showdown 57.
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson is braced for a strong response from Port Adelaide in the next instalment of one of the AFL’s greatest rivalries − Showdown 57.
The Power were dealt a 90-point humiliation by the Western Bulldogs in round eight, ending their three-match winning streak in brutal fashion.
It followed a 91-point thrashing from Collingwood in round one – the two heaviest defeats of coach Ken Hinkley’s 13-year tenure.
But Port have made a habit of bouncing back from heavy losses in recent times and will be geared up for a huge Showdown in front of their home fans at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Since the start of last season, the Power have responded to all four of their defeats by more than 40 points with a win the following week.
“We were in a similar position this time last week after the Freo game,” Dawson said of Adelaide’s 18-point loss in Perth, which the Crows followed with a 60-point burial of Carlton on Saturday.
“So we’ll be very wary of Port responding.
“They always respond well, so it’s going to be a great game.
“We respect them highly and we look forward to the battle this weekend.”
Showdown 57 is the first meeting between the sides since last August’s fiery encounter, which reached a flashpoint when then-Power star Dan Houston laid out Adelaide’s Izak Rankine with a brutal high bump.
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Houston, now with Collingwood, incurred a five-game suspension, ruling him out of Port’s 2024 finals campaign and the opening round of this season.
Before the game, Adelaide’s Josh Rachele and Darcy Fogarty stoked the fire with public comments about Port and their supporters.
Rachele notably took a swipe at Power fans by saying they have “no teeth” in a radio interview.
On Monday, Dawson and Port captain Connor Rozee played the straightest of bats when they fronted South Australian media.
Asked how they feel about their arch-rivals, both skippers said they “respect” the opposing side.
“They always have a bit of fire,” Dawson said of the Adelaide derby.
“We might leave the build-up for (the media) but for us it’s just about playing footy.
“No matter where the teams are on the ladder, it’s always a good contest and we all love playing in them as well.”
Rozee conceded not much went right for Port against the Bulldogs in Ballarat, where they conceded 18 goals to three after quarter-time.
But he wasn’t dwelling on the result, insisting it’s a long season.
“We’ve shown in the past that when we have a bad loss we’re able to respond,” Rozee said.
“That’s because we stay tight as a group and listen to what Kenny says and what we need to do the following week.
“That will be the same approach this week.”
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Port’s 22-point win over the Crows last August snapped a three-match losing streak against their arch-rivals and squared the all-time ledger at 28 wins apiece.
Port’s Rioli apologises for message to Bulldogs player
Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli has apologised and the AFL will take no further action after his message to a Western Bulldogs player caused a stir.
Willie Rioli has apologised for a threatening private message sent to a Western Bulldogs player that caused a stir and was referred to the AFL.
No further action will be taken by the League after the Port Adelaide forward contacted a teammate of Bulldogs opponent Bailey Dale.
The Bulldogs will play Gold Coast this Saturday night in Darwin. It’s understood Rioli messaged the teammate to say he had friends in Darwin and Dale should be careful about leaving the team hotel while in the city.
The text was sent after Rioli and Dale clashed in Saturday’s game in Ballarat.
It’s an unwelcome distraction for the Power ahead of next Saturday night’s Showdown against Adelaide.
“Port Adelaide is aware of a private message sent by Willie Rioli to a Western Bulldogs player following Saturday afternoon’s game between the two clubs,” the Power said in a statement on Monday evening.
“The matter has now been resolved privately after Willie contacted Bailey Dale from the Bulldogs.”
The league also put out a brief statement, saying it had “reminded both clubs to ensure any communications remain respectful”.
Port are coming off a 90-point thrashing from the Bulldogs.
Rioli can accept a $1000 fine for striking Dale off the ball in the third term.
Along with the private message, Rioli also posted on Instagram, expressing his frustration about being fined for striking Dale.
Once the Bulldogs became aware of the message to Dale’s teammate, they contacted the league and Port.
Last month, Rioli posted on Instagram after Port’s emotion-charged win over Hawthorn.
Rioli spoke of his hatred for the Hawks, and the backlash prompted him to briefly take leave from the club.
