Cornes: Is the Showdown even on? Port must revive footy’s best rivalry

Kane Cornes is putting the Showdown firmly in the gun ahead of Saturday night’s clash at the Adelaide Oval.

While the last Showdown was a thriller as Adelaide prevailed by just one point, it also marked their sixth win from the last seven head-to-head matchups.

With that in mind, Cornes is worried that the Showdown is losing the sparkle of its former glory as the best rivalry in football.

“I'm putting the Showdown in the gun, because I think the Showdown is starting to lose its sparkle,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.

“I firmly believed it was the best rivalry in football. I thought it was the best, but I don't know if it can handle that mantle right now.

“Adelaide has won six out of their last seven, and Port Adelaide have arguably picked their worst 22 in 10 or 15 years for this game on Saturday night.

“It’s a stand-alone fixture. The Showdown. Show us what it's all about, show us what it means to you.

“There's been no coverage. I haven't heard anything about the Showdown this week.

“Is the Showdown even on? You wouldn't know. I don't want it going down the path of the Derby, which is now an embarrassment. That is not even a rivalry, and I'm worried the Showdown is heading down the same path.

“You can save it on Saturday night. Port Adelaide, I'm looking at you. I'm looking at you, Josh Carr, but we need the sparkle of the Showdown back.”

Saturday’s clash between the Power and Crows begins at 7:35 pm (AEST) and 7:05 pm (ACST).