The Crows have won four straight, and have vowed to maintain the rage in Showdown 58.
There will be plenty of emotion for the Power, for this is Ken Hinkley’s last Showdown, and the Power, out of the finals race, will be keen to impact the premiership aspirations of their cross-town rivals.
But Crows coach Matthew Nicks insists his men will be ready for what awaits.
Ready to go: Matthew Nicks’ Crows are heading back to September for the first time since 2017.Credit: AFL Photos
“We don’t [change our mindset], we’ll approach this game like we have every game this year, a strength of ours this year has been staying focused on the now and the moment – this is just a bigger moment,” Nicks said.
“We’ll acknowledge the moment, we’ll enjoy the big stage and the different challenges that will present us – you have to embrace those big moments, and it doesn’t get any bigger in Adelaide than a Showdown.
“But that doesn’t change how we prepare, and we will back in our process to get the job done.”
Nicks was once an assistant to Hinkley at the Power.
“I remember all of those Showdown memories [alongside Ken], I was in the box in 2018 when Stevie Motlop kicked that winner, back in 2013 [the Monfries bounce] I think I was the runner,” Nicks said.
“So, it will be [hard to imagine Showdowns without Ken], we had a little chat on the way in, and it’s an unusual feeling knowing that my opposition coach won’t be there next year.
“Ken’s had a lot of success across the journey, and I’ve learnt a hell of a lot from him in my time as a coach, so it’s always exciting to put myself to the test in these Showdowns.
“For me, going up against a person I’ve always had so much respect for, it’s a challenge I’ve really enjoyed. I learned so much from Ken in the period of time I worked underneath him, and it will be sad to see him go.”
