Port Adelaide's AFL premiership chances are long gone, so their ambition this week is to take Adelaide to oblivion with them.

Power defender Troy Chaplin has termed Sunday's showdown at AAMI Stadium as the closest thing his team would get to a grand final for the remainder of the year.

He also agreed that severe injuries to Crows forward pair Brett Burton (knee) and Jason Porplyzia (shoulder) made it an opportune time to be facing Adelaide.

"We're not going to make finals so it probably is our grand final," Chaplin said.

"I think all our supporters wouldn't care if we lost every other game for the year but won this week, and that's what we want.

"It's probably a great opportunity, both teams are looking for a win and hopefully we can get that this weekend."

Sunday's match will be played between two teams not exactly high on confidence, having put together nine consecutive losses between them over the past two months.

However Chaplin believed the extra edge of a meeting with the local rival would see players attacking the game with a zeal not always typical when they are half expecting a turnover to leave them exposed.

This year's early season match-up was one of the games of 2008, containing some exhilarating passages of play in addition to the harsh physical toll on both sides.

"Last time we played, two teams who were playing good contested footy had a really good game, so I think the supporters will want to come and see that," Chaplin said.

"I think both teams even though they are low on confidence are going to want to get the win so they're going to come out, not go back into their shell.

"The best thing about a Crows-Port showdown is it's got a finals intensity, even though we might not be playing finals this year, the young guys will get the opportunity to feel finals pressure."

Port can expect to choose from a fit-again Steve Salopek, plus veterans Michael Wilson and Brendon Lade to beef up their squad for Sunday.

The latter pair have been slumming it in the SANFL recently but are likely to be considered for their proven ability to match it with Adelaide.

"I think (Wilson and Lade) will come into serious contention, Wilbur's been playing some really good footy at Port Magpies," Chaplin said.

"He's starting to find some form, Ladey's been playing real well, he played well yesterday, we've given Fabian Deluca the opportunity.

"Whether or not the coaches go with him again it's up to them and we won't know until Thursday."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP