When the footy hits Adelaide Oval’s turf to signify the start of Showdown 58, Crows Senior Coach Matthew Nicks will be doing everything to will his side over the line.

But there will still always be a mutual respect between Nicks and Port Adelaide counterpart Ken Hinkley.

That’s despite being pitted against each other in arguably football’s fiercest rivalry.

Nicks’ development into an AFL Senior Coach happened predominantly under the guidance of the long-time Power mentor, as he spent eight seasons as an assistant at Alberton, before landing the Crows job prior to the 2020 season. 

Since then, Nicks has battled his old partner on 10 occasions, with the 11th this Saturday night set to be the last time the old friends do battle, as Hinkley prepares to depart at the end of the season. 

Speaking together on Wednesday evening alongside the Variety SA Showdown Shield in the lead up to the match, Nicks reflected fondly on his time working with and against Hinkley. 

“I remember all of those Showdown memories (alongside Ken), I was in the box in 2018 when Stevie Motlop kicked that winner, back in 2013 (the Monfries bounce) I think I was the runner,” Nicks said. 

“So it will be (hard to imagine Showdowns without Ken), we had a little chat on the way in and it’s an unusual feeling knowing that my opposition coach won’t be there next year. 

“Ken’s had a lot of success across the journey, and I’ve learnt a hell of a lot from him in my time as a coach, so it’s always exciting to put myself to the test in these Showdowns. 

“For me, going up against a person I’ve always had so much respect for, it’s a challenge I’ve really enjoyed. I learned so much from Ken in the period of time I worked underneath him, and it will be sad to see him go.” 

Hinkley mirrored Nicks’ sentiment, and was brimming with pride at how far his old assistant had come in his career. 

“I’m just so lucky I had a chance to work with Nicksy, he was one of the very first ones I spoke to when I got the job (coaching Port Adelaide),” Hinkley said. 

“I rang him on the phone from Queensland, begging him to stay and I didn’t really know him at the time, and to his great credit he supported me so well during his time at the Club. 

“He’s now created his own career, and I’ve admired the way he’s had to be resilient during his journey. 

“Matthew should be so proud of what he’s done, and it’ll hurt me to say, but I’m glad to see him doing well.”

The Crows will go into Showdown 58 having won their past four matches, a position Nicks said would not change his team’s approach to the contest. 

“We don’t (change our mindset), we’ll approach this game like we have every game this year, a strength of ours this year has been staying focused on the now and the moment - this is just a bigger moment,” Nicks said. 

“We’ll acknowledge the moment, we’ll enjoy the big stage and the different challenges that will present us - you have to embrace those big moments and it doesn’t get any bigger in Adelaide than a Showdown. 

“But that doesn’t change how we prepare, and we will back in our process to get the job done.” 

Adelaide will be sweating on the fitness of defender Mitch Hinge, who was subbed out of last week’s game against Gold Coast, and was listed as a test to face the Power. 

Nicks said there was confidence Hinge would get up for the Showdown, but insisted no risk would be taken. 

“Hingey still has to train tonight, but chatting to him this morning he’s pretty confident that he’s pulled up quite well,” Nicks said. 

“That will be a bonus if he does get up, because he only played 15 minutes last week, so a slightly fresher Mitch Hinge will be a good thing for us. 

“But if Mitch isn’t quite right, we won’t take a risk with him, and we have lots of guys playing great footy at SANFL level that can come in and play a great role for us.”

Adelaide faces Port Adelaide in Showdown 58 at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 7.40pm.

Limited tickets available here.