ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig has challenged his players to respond to their poor performance against Port Adelaide in round six when the two sides meet again in Showdown XXVII at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

The Crows got off to a flyer against the Power earlier this season, but fell apart in the second quarter and eventually went down by 26 points.

Craig said his side would need to match Port Adelaide’s competitiveness to avoid a repeat performance.

“The first Showdown in round six was probably our poorest game for the year,” Craig said on Wednesday.

“We didn’t really fire a shot and we didn’t look like winning for most of the day, which is unusual for Showdowns because usually the momentum swings a fair bit.”

The Power won the clearances (42-22); the contested possession (117-102) and the hit-outs (44-17) in the lop-sided round six clash.

Craig implored his side to put in a more committed effort at the stoppages on Sunday and said the potential return of Port Adelaide playmaker Shaun Burgoyne would make the Crows even more wary of their opposition’s midfield capabilities.

“Port Adelaide’s ruckmen were very good in round six. They [Dean Brogan and Brendon Lade] are both very experienced and if Shaun Burgoyne comes back in… well, we know what he’s like around the stoppages,” Craig said.

“Stoppage work in modern time football has become more important and you need to at least get your share. That will be a big challenge for us.”

Adelaide is unlikely to recall ruckman Jon Griffin for the clash with the Power.

Griffin made his comeback from a calf strain with Central Districts in the SANFL on the weekend, but his performance didn’t demand AFL selection.

Craig said veteran Brett Burton was a definite starter against Port Adelaide, despite a rusty return to the top level last week.

“It was a tough game for Brett with the way it unfolded against St Kilda,” Craig said. “He was far from happy with the way he performed, but we’ve also got to be fair.

“He understands that his performance needs to be better than that.”

Craig also jumped to the defence of club stalwart Andrew McLeod, following media reports the ageing superstar would struggle to get a contract beyond this season.

“You have to understand that Andrew’s playing a different role for us, as he should be at this stage of his career,” Craig said.

“It would be irresponsible of me as a coach to keep putting Andrew in the midfield and saying ‘you’ve got to prop the midfield up’ or ‘kick five goals or we don’t win’.

“He’s playing his role very well and I’ve been really pleased with what he’s doing.”

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