Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for the Round 8 Thursday night clash between Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
Adelaide
Dawson to collect 25+ disposals, 5+ inside 50s
With two Showdown Medals through his first four Showdowns, Jordan Dawson loves this occasion.
The last time he played the Power he enjoyed 34 possessions and seven inside 50s and comes into Round 8 in a similar vein of form.
After a slow start to the year, Dawson has collected 58 disposals and 20 inside 50s across the last fortnight and comes up against a Port Adelaide outfit whose strength is not in contested footy.
Expect Dawson to enjoy plenty of midfield time and reap the rewards on Thursday night.
Walker to kick multiple goals
Make no mistake, Taylor Walker is in as good a form as ever early in 2024.
He’s averaging just shy of two goals a game, but his 1.3 direct goal assists is the most he’s averaged since 2017. The 34-year-old's best games have been his last four.
Up against a Port Adelaide outfit missing Aliir Aliir, Walker will be licking his lips for a big game.
Don’t forget Walker kicked seven goals from 11 shots last time he played the Power.
Seb Mottram
Port Adelaide
Zak Butters 25+ disposals
Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters has been incredibly consistent in 2024.
The young gun has averaged 28 touches a game, with all of his outings producing results between 24 and 34 disposals.
He’s passed the 25-touch marker on six out of seven occasions so far this season and there’s no doubt he’ll be up for the Showdown.
He had 32 and six clearances the last time he played the Crows. He should produce something close to that stat line on Thursday night, particularly with an injury cloud hanging over Connor Rozee’s head.
There’s no doubt he’ll be the main man at the source in the big game.
Charlie Dixon 2+ goals
Key forward Charlie Dixon is being managed well by the Power in 2024.
While he was rested for the Round 6 loss to Collingwood, he didn’t miss a beat in Round 7, kicking four in the win over St Kilda.
Even though Jordon Butts is back, Adelaide haven’t been overly strong from a key defensive perspective this season and Dixon should get enough opportunities inside 50.
He’s kicked 12.9 from six games so far this season and he should hit his two-goal average in this big game.
Lachlan Geleit
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