Adelaide held off a fierce though error-riddled Port Adelaide challenge to win the AFL showdown by seven points at AAMI Stadium.

The second-placed Crows established a 25-point, half-time break and held on 13.10 (88) to 12.9 (81) despite the desperation of the Power, which now must win both its last two matches to have any chance of reaching the finals.

However the Crows suffered a heavy blow in the lead-up to the finals when sturdy ruckman Ben Hudson was stretchered off in the final term with a suspected serious right knee injury after a tangle with Josh Mahoney.

Port Adelaide's endeavour could not be questioned but it let the Crows off the hook on numerous occasions with turnovers resulting in goals.

Adelaide's midfield was dominated by Simon Goodwin - who also left the field late with injury - and Mark Ricciuto, Scott Thompson kicking four goals to be a constant threat across half forward.

Rhett Biglands enjoyed a productive night in the ruck and Nathan Bassett continued his effective season in the backline.

Burly Crows backman Ben Rutten kept Power spearhead Warren Tredrea from having any major influence on the first half, and Port's acting captain was moved into the midfield after the main break.

Shaun Burgoyne, Kane Cornes and Peter Walsh had plenty of the ball for the Power, while Gavin Wanganeen kicked three goals.

The opening salvos had all the expected intensity, and Port Adelaide, hamstrung on Friday by the loss of key defenders Matthew Bishop and Chad Cornes as well as the suspension of Byron Pickett, responded accordingly with a committed start on a cool night.

Tredrea won the toss and kicked to a two-goal first term breeze, and the Power dominated early possessions in collecting the opening goal inside five minutes - a relayed free kick to Wanganeen.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP