There was no medal presented in the one and only Showdown final in 2005.

But although it was a complete team performance by the Crows and many players contributed to the 83-point semi-final win at AAMI Stadium, perhaps a defender may have taken the honours.

The weekend after Ben Rutten’s first full season at full back was recognised with All Australian selection, the powerful defender played a defining role in Adelaide’s crushing win.

Rutten had the job against the Power’s main target Warren Tredrea. And although Adelaide did not kick away from Port until the second half, Tredrea started the third term on a wing after being blanketed by his opponent. Rutten made the most of the midfield freedom, drifting forward to kick his first goal of the season during the Crows’ stunning eight-goal third quarter.

Tredrea did not have a possession inside 50 until the last 30 seconds of the game, when he kicked a behind. Rutten had 14 possessions and received the most votes for the game in the best-and-fairest count.

The first half had been tight and low scoring, with the Crows ahead 4.7 (35) to 3.6 (24) at the main break. The second half was in direct contrast. Port trailed by only 13 minutes seven minutes into the third term but by the last break Adelaide was 51 points clear and by the final siren the Crows were celebrating the biggest ever Showdown win.

Apart from Rutten, Adelaide has a host of winners. Simon Goodwin kicked three goals from 22 possessions, Mark Ricciuto broke free of heavy tagging in the second half, Scott Welsh booted four goals, Nathan Bassett starred alongside Rutten in defence, Matthew Clarke controlled the ruck and Tyson Edwards and Andrew McLeod added the class.

September 10, 2005: Adelaide 18.15 (123) d Port Adelaide 5.10 (40)