Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide showdown betting – Sloane & Wines tips

Saturday, April 8, 2017, 7.40pm AEST, Adelaide Oval, watch on Seven Network, Fox Footy.

RARELY have the two Adelaide clubs been flying like this when they have met in the Showdown.

But we have two teams in Port Adelaide and Adelaide who have been perhaps the most dominant in the competition, two rounds in.

One of these two teams will remain undefeated, while the other will lick its wounds at 2-1 as the second best team in Adelaide.

It’s a real yardstick game for both clubs, who are one and two on the AFL ladder.

Some are already saying Adelaide are the real premiership favourites after they absolutely demolished the preseason premier elect Greater Western Sydney and then came to Melbourne and ended a huge hoodoo by belting Hawthorn on the MCG.

The Hawks booted five of the first six goals and looked to have the Crows on the ropes. But this Adelaide team appears to be something special in 2017 and gradually worked its way back into the game, before streaking away in the final term to record a four goal win 16.17 (113) to 13.11 (89).

Crows big red Tom Lynch had a day to remember against the Hawks, collecting 31 disposals and ripping down 14 marks in a best on ground performance, but he had plenty of help in the form of Matt Crouch (28), Rory Sloane (25) and Brodie Smith (24).

Sloane had a ridiculous 15 tackles as the Crows pressure game was too hot to handle for the Hawks, while Eddie Betts starred up forward again with three goals, complemented by the unheralded David Mackay, who matched the little wizard’s output on the day.

But the Power have been equally impressive, surprising 2016 grand finalists Sydney by beating them at their own hard contested game in Round 1 and then absolutely demoralising the Fremantle Dockers in Perth.

Robbie Gray played perhaps one of the best AFL games of all times, collecting 30 possessions, grabbing seven marks and slotting six goals straight.

Completely unstoppable. But there were no passengers for the Power as midfield brute Ollie Wines led the way with 31 disposals, Brad Ebert chimed in with 28 and young gun Sam Powell-Pepper churned out 25, along with veteran Travis Boak.

The signs were good out of Charlie Dixon too, the big forward booting four goals.

In fact, the signs are good for this game. Expect some serious fireworks.

First goal scorer betting

Port Adelaide Power:

Sam Powell-Pepper ($21 with Sportsbet.com.au)

What an absolute meatball SPP is. A man made for today’s AFL. He’s quick, powerful, collects plenty of the footy and has an eye for goal. No one would believe you if they watched the opening two rounds and you told them they were his first two at the highest level. He already plays like a seasoned veteran – and he is tougher and harder at the ball than most veterans. Given that he tends to open large portions of the game up forward and he loves a goal, with three goals in his first two games, we like him for a tiny drink at big odds to boot the first of the match.

Adelaide Crows:

Taylor Walker ($11 with Sportsbet.com.au)

When it comes to first goal scorer picks for the Adelaide Crows, it is really like picking a needle in a haystack. This is the AFL’s most potent offence and can kill you with a thousand cuts. Whether it’s Betts, Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, David Mackay or any one of their barrage of goal kicking midfielders, there are weapons all over the park. But we like the big Texan this week Taylor Walker. The Crows’ captain loves a showdown and we’re expecting him to lift for this one after booting 2.2 last game.

Disposal picks for Crows vs. Power

Port Adelaide Power:

Ollie Wines to have 30 disposals or more ($1.83 with Sportsbet.com.au)

Book it in. Wines is now one of the elite midfielders in the competition and he started off the season with a career high 33 possessions, before backing that up with 31 last week. Expect him to lead the way again for the Power.

Adelaide Crows:

Rory Sloane to have 25 disposals or more ($1.53 with Sportsbet.com.au)

With 24 and 25 disposals in his first two weeks, Sloane has been around the mark, but his past couple of Showdowns have seen him well down. For us, the guy has been a disappointment as the man meant to step up in Patrick Dangerfield’s place. We’re predicting a bounce back and reckon he will collect his highest total of the season.

Match predictions

Match result: Adelaide Crows to win ($1.49 with Sportsbet.com.au)

Line betting: Port Adelaide +12.5 ($1.92 with Sportsbet.com.au)

First thing’s first. There’s an injury cloud over Robbie Gray. If he doesn’t play, then the Power can’t win. If he does play, but is underdone, then the Power can’t win. If he plays and plays to his full potential, he can lead them to victory. But that appears to be a big if and, even if he is at full flight, the Crows have so many weapons that we think they are more than capable of negating him. The Power’s midfield is stronger, but, with talent at both ends of the ground that is the envy of most other AFL clubs, there’s only one pick in this Showdown for us. The Crows… by a point.