On Saturday night, a Showdown was decided by less than a goal (five points) for just the third time. The smallest-ever margin in the cross-town clash was a three-point win to the Crows in Round 16, 2015.

Once again, the Showdown ledger is level at 22 wins apiece.

After leading the contested possession count by three at the main break, Adelaide finished the game 20 behind Port Adelaide (137 – 157) in a reflection of the Power’s dominance in the second half. The Crows also lost the clearances, 43 – 36.

Midfielder Hugh Greenwood laid 12 tackles on Saturday night – three more than the next-best player. Only Essendon forward Devon Smith (15) and Carlton onballer Ed Curnow (13) applied more tackles for the round.

Crows wingman Rory Atkins gained more metres (608) than any other player at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Forward Eddie Betts topped Adelaide’s goalkicking with three, including his 250th Crows goal.

Betts has now kicked 34 goals in nine Showdown appearances, level with Variety Showdown Medallist Robbie Gray as the second-most of all time. Crows captain Taylor Walker (38) leads the way.

In a five-minute burst late in the last quarter, the Crows kicked the ball 12 times at 100 per cent efficiency, and kicked three goals to take the lead by a point with 42 seconds left on the clock.

Adelaide scored 68 points from turnovers in Round Eight – ranked third of any team.

Match statistics
Disposals
Adelaide – 336
Port Adelaide – 411

Disposal efficiency
Adelaide – 72%
Port Adelaide – 72%

Kicks
Adelaide – 221
Port Adelaide – 233

Handballs
Adelaide – 115
Port Adelaide – 178

Clearances
Adelaide – 36
Port Adelaide – 43

Inside 50ms
Adelaide – 50
Port Adelaide – 49

Contested possessions
Adelaide – 137
Port Adelaide – 157

Uncontested possessions
Adelaide – 194
Port Adelaide – 249

Tackles
Adelaide – 56
Port Adelaide – 81

Hit-outs
Adelaide – 35
Port Adelaide – 48