Footy can be a crazy game. Two weeks ago Showdown 25 was shaping as the most one-sided, uninteresting, uninspiring local derby since its inception, but now, for different reasons, the result is of almighty importance.
For the Crows, a win can get their spluttering season back on track and a finals berth will be more than likely. A loss will make the run to September extremely tough. A month ago, all was well with the Crows, who were perched in fourth spot with an 8-3 win-loss count and seemingly certainties to participate in finals action.
But the slide down the slippery dip at pace has been alarming for even the staunchest of Crows fans. Lose to arch-rival Port Adelaide, with Sydney away the following week, and it's probably season over, particularly given the horrendous injury count. There can be no ifs and buts, and no excuses. The Crows have to win or kiss goodbye to the 2008 season.
This is Port's grand final in what has been its most disappointing season since it entered the competition in 1997. The Power would like nothing more than to smash the Crows, something they haven't been able to do for a long time, and at least salvage something from the wreck.
It has been so long since either team has won a game that it's impossible to pick a winner, but the absence of two key forwards, Brett Burton and Jason Porplyzia is swaying me towards the Power, which, at 4-11, has gifted at least five games to the opposition. If Port is to show some spirit, it has to be on Sunday.
We all knew the lack of genuine depth in the Crows' squad was an issue and any more than one or two injuries was going to cause some grief. No Andrew McLeod, no Brent Reilly, no Trent Hentschel and now no Burton and Porplyzia would hurt any side, and Adelaide is hurting to the point of running out of ammunition.
What the Crows do have is fight and spirit, and they have been far more disciplined than the erratic Power. But I get the feeling the lack of manpower or quality manpower could take its toll on the Crows.
The Power should be chafing at the bit to have a crack at its local rivals after many embarrassing losses, and that's why I am picking the boys from Alberton. If they can't win this one, or at least go close, there will be a few worried players on the Power list, and you can expect some big changes at the end of the year.
Yet the consequences are far more important to the Crows and that's why the game has suddenly attracted interest. I will stick with Port to win - by less than a goal.
Andrew Jarman, a good friend and former teammate, has been under the pump, with North Adelaide's recent form baffling, to say the least. Last week's thrashing by Norwood sent the alarm bells ringing and it's obvious all is not well at Prospect.
To be 6-8 with a poor percentage, given the Roosters' talent, is staggering. It's up to the players to show some fight and back the coach. Knowing Andrew, he would be trying every trick in the book to fire up his squad. His love and enthusiasm for the game and his men never wanes. Hopefully, North comes out in strong support for the man who breathed life into the club and helped make it a power again, on and off the field.
The doors at the club almost closed for ever five years ago. If not for the efforts of Barrie Robran, Bohdan Jaworskyj and Glenn Elliott, together with coach Jarman, North would no longer exist. The Roosters don't need any knee-jerk reactions to what has been a difficult year. In fact, I would try to sign up Andrew now for a couple more years. I sense the Elliott-Jarman relationship has soured somewhat in recent times, and it's important the leaders of the club sit down and thrash out any gripes.
Jarman has put spirit, flair and excitement back into the SANFL and his exciting style of play has certainly bolstered the local crowds. Every coach deserves one disappointing season and Jars should have many credits in the bank.
The news on former North Adelaide star Michael Parsons rocked the football world last week when we were alerted to his serious health issues. Michael underwent delicate brain surgery and complications from the operation led to a stroke.
Knowing "Bristles" as well as I do, I know he will fight this setback with the same determination he played his football - and come out on top. I can still remember the big fella playing his first game for North reserves against Norwood and totally dominating. Coach Michael Nunan rushed him into the league team and he came up against star West Adelaide ruckman Mark Mickan, and, although beaten, he did some nice things, including sinking a 60-metre torpedo goal.
Parsons went on to become a star footballer, winning a Jack Oatey Medal, and was drafted by the Sydney Swans. Good luck, Michael, and keep fighting. The football world is right behind you every step of the way.