Early in The Showdown – 26 July 2025

Over the last 2 weeks I’ve had 2 quite contrasting football experiences. The first was last Saturday night, at what was one of the worst possible Adelaide nights. Very cold, windy and very wet, still The Showdown was on. Of course I went. Then last night when we were in Queensland to get away from the cold  where I watched the game on TV.

The Adelaide Crows have been ordinary at best for a number of years of years, but this year they are in very good form and are legitimate contenders for the AFL Premiership.

AFL Premiership table (Top 8)  – Adelaide are top – it’s mid round, so they could finish the weekend in second place.

For those not familiar with the AFL, The Showdown is the local derby between the 2 Adelaide teams, The Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power. It’s an intense rivalry, that across the 58 meetings sees Adelaide on 30 wins and Port 28. Form has traditionally not necessarily dictated the winner, with the games always hard fought and often very close.

So, last Saturday with Adelaide in great form and Port not so, I set off for the football. It was a 7.40, Saturday night game. We don’t have reserved seats which means for big games, it is necessary to the ground early. On wet nights, the pressure for seats undercover is even greater.

I looked at the weather radar and decided to head off at 3.40pm, so as to be there by 4.30 to ensure we could be in the grandstandard. I dodged the rain and found good seats under cover. Many years ago when our children were all still at home, we sat out in the pouring rain. We had the right clothing and it was quite fun. I’m quite a few years older now, and sitting out in the rain when there is an alternative is not my preference these days.

I was meeting old friends at the game, in fact, one of whom I met on my first day of full-time work, and we have gone to the football on and off ever since. In those days it was to watch Sturt in the SANFL, and more recently to watch The Adelaide Crows. My friend’s wife also goes, as did my favourite person until she was diagnosed with an illness that doesn’t allow her to get cold (hence why went to Queensland).

For the last three seasons, I’ve had the added bonus that my daughter, her husband  and   children have been going to games with me. It’s one of the true joys of sport, the chance for multiple generations to go to the game together.

As a child I went to the football with my grandfather to watch his beloved Glenelg in the SANFL and more often with my father to watch our team, Sturt. He and I went to the football together for the next 30 years. Mum, also a Glenelg supporter didn’t go to the football much but her last game was Sturt’s victory in the 2002 SANFL Grand Final. 

Sturt – post game 2016 SANFL Grans Final

As a recent article I read said, going to the football is so much more than the result. It’s the experience, the noise, the chat amongst supporters,  the friendships and memories. Where else can 3 generations of one family get so much enjoyment out of the same experience? I remember footy with my Grandfather as a 7 or 8  year old. I remember where my father stopped on the way to the football for me to buy my packet of Juicy Fruit chewing gum, where we used to park, and so much more. Cherished memories which really aren’t about the game at all. I have memories of getting lost driving to games at suburban grounds with my friend when we used to watch Sturt; I couldn’t tell you the result of any of them. 

Which brings me to last night. I watched the game on a big screen in our very comfortable hotel room. It was warm and cosy and Adelaide won in what was a terrific contest. However, for the first time in ages I realised that the game, as that article had said, meant so much more than the result.

For the record, Adelaide won Showdown 58 by a record margin of 98 points! A true delight.