Crows star Izak Rakine has one word to describe what it was like watching Showdowns as a youngster. 

“Intense - I remember the games just being really intense,” Rankine said.

The 25-year-old grew up a diehard Crows fan but was in the crowd at more Port Adelaide home Showdowns because his cousin, Danyle Pearce, featured for the Power.

As Rankine watched the two fierce rivals battle for bragging rights, he would often sit there and dream of one day playing in a Showdown.

“I used to visualise myself running around on the field, kicking goals during the Showdowns,” Rankine said.

“I always sort of had a feeling I’d be playing in one, so it’s pretty special to actually be living out that childhood dream.

“I often went to Port Showdowns because Danyle played for Port, and I was happy either way because being a Crows fan if we won it was great, but also good for Danyle if they won.”

Now, as Rankine prepares to line up for what will be his fourth Showdown as a Crow, the goal sneak says it’s a privilege to line-up in encounters against the Power.

“It's a special round, I’m from SA, so I understand the history and the rivalry between the two Clubs,” Rankine said.

“There’s always a lot of excitement leading into a Showdown, and especially after the last one, the boys are keen to get back out there.

“Some of the boys who come over from interstate don’t really understand what it is until they play in it, now that a few have, they have appreciation for the rivalry and it means a lot to them, too.

“The games feel like finals, they are the closest you can get to finals in the minor round, and whoever wins walks a bit taller around the city, so you definitely want to come off with the win.”

Rankine has featured in all eight of the Crows’ games so far this season, spending more time in the midfield, than the forward line in 2025.

He has averaged 23 disposals, 5.9 clearances and 4.5 tackles, while booting 10 goals in 2025.

Rankine said he had worked hard to ensure he was awarded more midfield minutes and enjoyed having more responsibility to change the game’s momentum.

“I’ve just focused on my consistency, and I think spending more time in the midfield helps with that, as well as understanding our game plan more so that I can see the game clearly,” Rankine said.

“I would put it (my form) down to consistency in the gym, on the training track and eating well, too.

“I have definitely enjoyed being in the midfield more this year. I love being around the ball more, there’s more chances to impact the game and get the ball going forward.

“Chasing the footy is pretty fun.”

Showdown 57 is a Port Adelaide home game, leaving Rankine expecting a hostile crowd.

But the goal sneak says the atmosphere of a Showdown is unmatched and is looking forward to running out alongside his teammates.

“It’s always a packed stadium, whether it’s our home game or theirs,” Rankine said.

“This week will be enemy territory but it’s the same sort of feeling once you cross that white line and you look up to see 50,000 people there and your family and friends are watching.

“You definitely want to try and play well, it’s a special feeling and one we’ll remember long after we finish playing.”

Adelaide faces Port Adelaide in Showdown 57 at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 7.40pm, with the game to be broadcast live on Channel 7, Kayo and Fox Footy.

The match will follow the SANFL ‘Showdown’ between Adelaide and Port Adelaide, which will kick off at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 4pm.

The SANFL is offering a free digital Budget for fans, which can be downloaded here and viewed by entering SANFL2025 as the password.