The Adelaide Crows host Port Adelaide in Showdown 59 at Adelaide Oval on Friday, May 1, 2026, with an 8:10 PM AEST bounce.
Both sides enter the South Australian derby with identical 3-4 records, although Port Adelaide arrive with the momentum after a 30-point upset win over Geelong, while the Crows are coming off a 52-point loss to defending champions Brisbane.
Adelaide are -11.5 favourites and have won five of the last six Showdowns, including a record-breaking 98-point thumping of the Power in Round 20 last season.
Stats Insider gives the Crows a 64% win probability after 10,000 simulations, and Bet365 prices Adelaide at $1.52 to win.
Match Details
The first Showdown of 2026 is a derby that always produces high stakes. Port Adelaide play their first Showdown under new coach Josh Carr, while Adelaide look to lock in another victory in the rivalry under Matthew Nicks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide Power (Showdown 59) |
| Round | Round 8, 2026 AFL Premiership Season |
| Date | Friday, May 1, 2026 |
| Time | 8:10 PM AEST (7:40 PM ACST local) |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Tickets | Ticketmaster |
| Broadcast (TV) | Channel 7, Fox Footy |
| Streaming | 7plus, Kayo Sports, WatchAFL (international) |
How Are Both Teams Performing in 2026?
Both sides head into the Showdown on identical 3-4 records, but the form trajectories tell very different stories. Port Adelaide are surging under their new coach, while Adelaide have just suffered a sobering loss to the reigning premiers.
Port Adelaide’s Surge Under Josh Carr
The Power are the form team of South Australia heading into Round 8. Their 30-point upset win over Geelong last weekend showcased complete stoppage dominance, with Port finishing +18 in clearances and +23 in inside 50s.
Specifically, Port held Geelong to 65 points and were probably good for an even bigger margin had they not been wasteful in front of goal.
Earlier defeats to Hawthorn (by 3 points) and St Kilda were both narrow, suggesting Port’s mid-table position undersells their actual form.
Adelaide Reeling After Brisbane Loss
The Crows entered Round 7 on a two-game winning streak after beating Carlton and St Kilda, but were demolished by Brisbane to the tune of 52 points.
Captain Jordan Dawson played one of his best games of the year with 28 disposals and two goals despite the heavy loss, while Rory Laird picked up 29 disposals.
The 5-day turnaround from that loss is a concern, although the Showdown atmosphere should energise the home side.
2026 Form Comparison
| Team | W-L | Ladder Position | PF | PA | Last 3 Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Crows | 3-4 | 13th | 609 | 634 | W-W-L |
| Port Adelaide Power | 3-4 | 11th | 628 | 558 | L-L-W |
Showdown Head-to-Head: Crows Have Owned Recent Meetings
Adelaide have dominated the recent Showdown history. The Crows have won five of the last six derby fixtures, including the largest Showdown winning margin in AFL history.
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Showdown number | Showdown 59 |
| Last 6 Showdowns | Adelaide 5-1 |
| Round 20, 2025 | Adelaide 20.13 (133) def. Port 5.5 (35) |
| Round 9, 2025 | Adelaide won by 5 points |
| Largest Showdown margin (all-time) | 98 points (Adelaide, Round 20 2025) |
| Last Port Adelaide win | Round 19, 2024 |
Team News and Selection
Both teams have major selection considerations entering the Showdown. Port Adelaide carry a longer injury list with around 12 players sidelined, while the Crows have most of their first-choice line-up available.
Adelaide Crows Team News
- Available: Jordan Dawson, Rory Laird, Izak Rankine, Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker
- Watch: Wayne Milera (averaging 25 disposals per game in 2026)
- Riley Thilthorpe: 12 goals from seven matches, leads goalkicking
- Taylor Walker: 11 goals from six matches
Jordan Dawson returns as captain and is in 150-game territory for his Crows career. Adelaide’s tall forward trio of Thilthorpe, Walker, and Darcy Fogarty has been a strong attacking pillar in 2026.
Port Adelaide Team News
- In form: Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Connor Rozee
- Watch: Corey Durdin (Showdown specialist), Miles Bergman
- Long-term injury list: ~12 players sidelined
- Coach: Josh Carr in his first Showdown as senior coach
Despite the injury crisis, Port have built a system that has clicked with Butters at the heart of the midfield. Horne-Francis has kicked 1.2, 2.0, and 2.1 in his last three Showdowns, making him a consistent derby performer.
Key Players to Watch
The Showdown traditionally turns on individual midfield battles. Several star players carry significant betting and fantasy interest into Round 8.
Adelaide Key Players
- Jordan Dawson: 28 disposals and 2 goals last week, captain in his 150th game range
- Izak Rankine: 15 goals from his last 5 vs Port, Adelaide’s most dangerous match-winner
- Rory Laird: 29 disposals last week, midfield distributor
- Riley Thilthorpe: 12 goals in 2026, won the 2025 Showdown Medal
- Wayne Milera: 25 disposals per game average in 2026
Port Adelaide Key Players
- Zak Butters: 30+ disposals in 5 of his last 5 vs Adelaide
- Jason Horne-Francis: 2+ goals in 3 of his last 4 games
- Connor Rozee: Co-captain and midfield engine
- Corey Durdin: 2 goals in 2 of his last 3 Showdowns
- Miles Bergman: Provided sharp ball use vs Geelong
Betting Odds and Predictions
Adelaide arrive as -11.5 favourites and the Bet365 head-to-head price sits at $1.52, with Port Adelaide out to $2.55. Several models and tipsters are split on the outcome despite the Crows’ favouritism.
| Market | Price |
|---|---|
| Adelaide to win | $1.52 |
| Port Adelaide to win | $2.55 |
| Adelaide -11.5 (line) | $1.91 |
| Port Adelaide +12.5 (line) | $1.90 |
| Total points under 177.5 | $1.87 |
| Zak Butters 30+ disposals | $1.50 |
| Izak Rankine 2+ goals | $2.20 |
Stats Insider Model Prediction
The Stats Insider machine learning model gives Adelaide a 64% win probability after 10,000 simulations. The model favours the Crows for tactical reasons even after their poor showing against Brisbane.
Expert Tips
- Best Bet (Tipsters): Port Adelaide +12.5 line ($1.90)
- Same Game Multi: Port +12.5 + Butters 30+ disposals + Rankine 2+ goals + Under 177.5 total ($4.80)
- Value Player Prop: Jason Horne-Francis 2+ goals
- Goalscorer Prop: Corey Durdin 2+ goals (matchup vs Adelaide’s small forward defence)
- Total Bet: Under 177.5 game total ($1.87)
Where to Watch Adelaide vs Port Adelaide
The Round 8 Showdown is broadcast live on Channel 7 free-to-air across Australia. Streaming options include 7plus (free) and Kayo Sports (subscription), while overseas fans can watch through WatchAFL.
| Platform | Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Channel 7 | Free-to-air TV | Australia-wide live |
| 7plus | Free streaming | Australia-wide live and on-demand |
| Fox Footy | Pay TV | Available via Foxtel |
| Kayo Sports | Subscription streaming | $30/month, 7-day free trial |
| WatchAFL | International streaming | Available outside Australia |
How to Buy Adelaide vs Port Adelaide Tickets
Showdown tickets typically sell out fast. Crows and Power members get priority access through their respective club portals, with general public tickets sold through Ticketmaster Australia.
- Member Tickets: Available through Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide membership portals
- General Public: Ticketmaster Australia (premier.ticketek.com.au)
- Hospitality Packages: Adelaide Oval Stadium Club tickets
- Mobile Tickets: Download to your phone before arriving
- Gates Open: 5:40 PM ACST (typically 2 hours pre-bounce)
- Public Transport: Adelaide Metro free for ticket holders on match days
Match Prediction
Port Adelaide enter with the form, the better last-month results, and the system improvement under Josh Carr.
However, derby form usually defies the bigger picture, and Adelaide have dominated the recent Showdown history with five wins from the last six.
The Crows’ 5-day break is a concern after the heavy Brisbane loss, although the home crowd, Showdown atmosphere, and Izak Rankine’s record against Port (15 goals from his last 5) all point to another Crows win.
Adelaide’s tall forwards should also exploit Port’s injury-thinned defence. Therefore, expect a tight contest decided in the last quarter, with Adelaide likely to cover the line by a narrow margin.
Final Prediction: Adelaide by 14 points
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Conclusion: Showdown 59 at Adelaide Oval
The first Showdown of 2026 brings together two South Australian sides on identical records but very different form lines.
Port Adelaide’s 30-point upset of Geelong last weekend has the Power flying high under Josh Carr, while Adelaide look to bounce back from a heavy Brisbane defeat with the home crowd behind them.
The Crows have dominated the rivalry with five wins from six, including the record-breaking 98-point thumping in Round 20, 2025.
The bounce is at 8:10 PM AEST (7:40 PM ACST), broadcast live on Channel 7, 7plus, Fox Footy, and Kayo Sports.
Adelaide vs Port Adelaide FAQs
The first Showdown of 2026 starts at 8:10 PM AEST (7:40 PM ACST local) on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Adelaide Oval.
Showdown 59 is broadcast live on Channel 7 (free-to-air), 7plus (free streaming), Fox Footy (Foxtel), and Kayo Sports. International viewers can stream the match on WatchAFL.
Adelaide are -11.5 favourites with bookmakers and a 64% favourite according to the Stats Insider model. Bet365 has the Crows at $1.52 and Port Adelaide at $2.55.
Adelaide won the most recent Showdown by 98 points in Round 20, 2025, with the Crows recording the largest winning margin in Showdown history at 20.13 (133) to 5.5 (35).
Adelaide have won five of the last six Showdowns. Port Adelaide’s last derby win came in Round 19, 2024.
Yes. Jordan Dawson is captain and is locked in for the Showdown. He returned with 28 disposals and 2 goals against Brisbane last week despite trying personal circumstances.
Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis are Port’s most consistent performers, with Butters averaging 30+ disposals in his last 5 matches against the Crows. Connor Rozee co-captains the side.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster Australia at premier.ticketek.com.au. Crows and Power members get priority access through their club portals.
Gates typically open 2 hours before the bounce, so around 5:40 PM ACST for Showdown 59. Adelaide Metro is free for ticket holders on match days.
