Adelaide Crows have delivered a fierce message to the AFL competition, steamrolling arch-rivals Port Adelaide in a wet-weather bloodbath — and sending off Ken Hinkley’s Showdown legacy with a devastating 98-point drubbing.
In a game soaked by torrential rain and emotion, the Crows were relentless, tearing through Port Adelaide’s shaky defense to seal a 22.19 (151) to 7.11 (53) victory — the biggest Showdown win in history, eclipsing their own 84-point record set back in 2005.
And with finals looming, Matthew Nicks’ men are not just peaking — they’re surging.
“It was a complete performance. Ruthless, relentless — that’s how you make a statement,” declared Fox Footy’s Gerard Healy post-game.
From start to finish, Adelaide didn’t blink. They were clinical, even cruel — led by Jordan Dawson, who dominated with 36 disposals, 10 score involvements, and 684 metres gained, cementing his status as one of the league’s most influential players.
Joining the charge were Rory Laird (31 disposals, 11 clearances) and Jake Soligo (30 disposals, 2 goals), while key forward Taylor Walker wound back the clock with 5 goals in his 273rd game — a new Crows record.
Crows Unleash “Scary” Form
What Adelaide delivered wasn’t just a win — it was a warning.
This was their third 100+ point game in a month, and across the past four weeks they’ve averaged an eye-popping 138 points per game. With rising stars like Josh Rachele, Soligo, and Darcy Fogarty clicking into gear, the Crows are becoming the side no one wants to face in September.
Kane Cornes, normally reserved when it comes to praising the Crows, called it “as complete a game as I’ve seen Adelaide play in 10 years.”
Ugly End to Hinkley’s Showdown Era
If this was Ken Hinkley’s last dance in the Showdown arena, it ended in misery.
The Power were listless, lifeless, and lacked any fight after quarter-time. Jason Horne-Francis was held to just 14 touches, while Zak Butters and Connor Rozee struggled to find any rhythm under fierce Crows pressure.
Fox Footy’s David King didn’t mince words: “That was embarrassing. That’s a team that’s mentally fractured.”
And with Hinkley reportedly nearing the end of his tenure, the loss leaves the club at a crossroads — one with more questions than answers.
What It Means
With just four rounds remaining, Adelaide (12-6) leapfrog Port and boost their percentage to a league-best 147.8. They now loom as a top-four threat, especially if they maintain their attacking firepower.
Port Adelaide, on the other hand, fall to 10-8 and face a brutal run home — with their finals hopes now hanging by a thread.
Showdown Highlights
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Biggest ever Showdown margin (98 points)
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Crows kick 10 goals in 20-minute blitz
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Walker becomes most capped Crow
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Crows average 138 points in last 4 games
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Power’s worst Showdown loss under Hinkley
Fans React: “This Is Adelaide’s Year”
Social media lit up as Crows fans celebrated a win many are calling the most important in a decade.
“That wasn’t just a win. That was a warning to the AFL — the Crows are BACK.”
“I’ve followed this team for 25 years. This feels like 1997 again.”
What’s Next?
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Adelaide: Face a red-hot Melbourne side next week in a blockbuster top-four clash.
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Port Adelaide: Must regroup fast against the Bulldogs — or risk sliding out of finals contention.
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