It’s Round 8 of the AFL and the Showdown is upon us.

 We’re set for an absolute banger as the Crows face their old rivals Port Adelaide, at, you guessed it – the Adelaide Oval.

This is the Showdown’s 59th edition and it's coming at the perfect time. Port Adelaide had a dismal start to the season, but they’ve managed a couple of promising performances in a row, including a vital victory against Geelong last week.

Meanwhile the Crows are yet to hit the heights of last season’s minor premiership and were outmatched by the reigning premiers last Sunday - going down 127-75.

Skipper Jordan Dawson was inspiring in defeat, finishing with 28 touches and two goals in his first game back following a family tragedy. Adelaide now sits at 3-4 and will begin Round 8 inside the bottom third of the ladder.

On the other hand, Port Adelaide secured the best win of the Josh Carr era with a 95-65 upset over the Cats on ANZAC Day. Jason Horne-Francis continued his hot run of form, collecting 34 disposals and seven centre clearances to go with one goal.

Mitch Georgiades also could have had a massive day if he'd only kicked straight, finishing with four goals and six behinds – but it was enough to secure the W.

Adelaide won both Showdowns last year, including a massive 133-35 domination in Round 20.

The all-time Showdown ledger currently sits at 30 wins to Adelaide vs 28 wins to Port.

Can the proud Port Adelaide club close the gap? Or will the Crows prove too classy for their bitter rivals?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide Round 8 prediction and preview below.

Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide Power Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Ashamedly, another Showdown might go by the wayside for some as they tune into the Dogs and Dockers, but believe us, this clash has real spice.

Port Adelaide has had a magnificent few weeks with Josh Carr’s men growing into his system. Horne-Francis is up and running, Butters is airborne, and Georgiades remains a threat to tear any game apart.

The Crows hung around against Brisbane before the Lions snarled and blew them away, with Neale and Ashcroft combining for 78 disposals.

After 58 Showdowns, the ledger stands at 30 wins for the Crows and 28 for Port; expect the Power to be desperate to bridge that gap.

In South Australia, there are many who believe winning the Showdown is the only thing that matters year in, year out.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 13 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Ben Keays looks in great nick and his consistency remains underrated by many pundits.

As a smaller body, he moves exceptionally well across the ground, finds space, and knows his game inside and out.

He is a serious competitor and a vital part of this Crows squad, making him a fantastic shout to slot the first goal of Showdown 59.

Betting tip: Ben Keays.

Most Disposals Prediction

We like Jason Horne-Francis for most disposals in this one. He has been playing himself into elite form this season and looks increasingly comfortable with the Josh Carr way.

He starred in the win over Geelong last week and is taking significant pressure off Zak Butters, who has been Port's most effective ball-winner early in the season.

Expect Horne-Francis and Butters to share the load, with Jason topping the disposals in this one. 

Betting tip: Jason Horne-Francis.

Odds are subject to change. *

Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide Power Predicted Teams

Adelaide Crows Predicted Team List

FB: Hugh Bond, Jordon Butts, Josh Worrell

HB: Wayne Milera, Nick Murray, Rory Laird

C: Brayden Cook, Jordan Dawson (c), Isaac Cumming

HF: Josh Rachele, Riley Thilthorpe, Izak Rankine

FF: Ben Keays, Taylor Walker, Finnbar Maley

FOLL: Lachlan McAndrew, Sam Berry, James Peatling

I/C: Zac Taylor, Luke Pedlar, Toby Murray, Charlie Edwards, Max Michalanney

Port Adelaide Power Predicted Team List

FB: Todd Marshall, Lachie Jones, Miles Bergman

HB: Jase Burgoyne, Aliir Aliir, Kane Farrell

C: Ewan Mackinlay, Jason Horne-Francis, Jacob Wehr

HF: Christian Moraes, Mitch Georgiades, Joe Berry

FF: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jack Whitlock, Joe Richards

FOLL: Jordon Sweet, Zak Butters, Willem Drew

I/C: Corey Durdin, Ollie Wines, Josh Lai, Logan Evans, Dante Visentini

Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide Power Match Details

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026.

First Bounce: 8:10pm AEST.

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.