Adelaide Crows legend Mark Ricciuto believes his old team can turn their season around with a Showdown win against arch rivals Port Adelaide on Thursday night, calling out the Power’s poor record in big games.
The two Adelaide teams face off in a prime time Showdown to open Round 8, and the Crows simply must win if they are going to mount a run towards the top eight.
Last year the Crows won both Showdowns and Ricciuto believes the pressure is on Port Adelaide to prove they don’t go missing in important games.
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The Power have finished in the top four three times out of the last four seasons, but have fallen short when it’s mattered most — losing preliminary finals in 2020 and 2021 before exiting in ‘straight sets’ last season.
“They’ve had their troubles in big games, Port Adelaide,” Ricciuto told news.com.au.
“A couple of weeks ago against Collingwood they couldn’t get the job done. Adelaide have won three of the last four Showdowns even though they haven’t been the better side leading into it.
“I think Port Adelaide supporters and players are all on the same page. I think they’ve let themselves down in big games.
“Whether that’s the finals last years or Collingwood a couple of weeks ago, or the Showdowns the last couple of years — they haven’t been able to mix it in the big games.
“They’re well aware of that. There’d be no one more annoyed at that result than the players and the coach. Big games and finals, that’s what you live for and they need to get better in that area.
“They’d be very focused on having a good game. If they can’t come out and change the result in a big game, there’s always going to be a query on them until they can do that.
“They will be under a bit of pressure but it’s up to them whether they can step it up or not.”
After losing their first four games of the season, the Crows have won two in a row and can keep their faint finals hopes alive with a win in the Showdown.
“I’m not saying they will win but they can definitely win,” said Ricciuto, Fox Footy analyst and Adelaide’s football director.
“They probably haven’t played a four quarter game this year, but their footy is getting better. I think their side looks more balanced.
“Port Adelaide have been in better form this year. They’ve got a couple of key injuries with Aliir Aliir and Sam Powell-Pepper. The Crows at their best will give them a show, for sure.”
Adelaide haven’t made finals since they topped the ladder in 2017.
But after narrowly missing the top eight last year, Ricciuto said Adelaide’s list is in the sweet spot “where they can start to look at free agents and out of contract players in the mid 20s and older”.
“Adelaide haven’t gone for the free agents because they (the Crows) were a bit too young,” the 2003 Brownlow Medallist said.
“But their top draft picks are on the table for the right player to trade in. Whether it’s Will Hayward or any other play, clubs like Adelaide who need those types of players to improve their list.”
The Crows have been linked to Sydney forward Will Hayward, Demons swingman Harrison Petty and GWS utility Harry Perryman.
Ricciuto said the development of younger players including Izak Rankine, Jake Soligo, Josh Rachele, Mark Keane, Josh Worrell and Max Michalanney was pleasing.
A Soligo was enjoying a “breakout year” and a blend of youth alongside experienced midfield trio of Jordan Dawson, Rory Laird and Matt Crouch.
“There’s definitely progression there,” Ricciuto said.
“Would you like it to be faster? Everyone’s impatient and in a hurry.
“There’s plenty to like there. When you’re a young side you need your senior players to play well and they’re just starting to hit their straps and they’ll need to against Port.”