Port Adelaide assistant coach Tyson Goldsack says the club is excited to welcome captain Connor Rozee back into the fold for Showdown LVIII, with both South Australia sides preparing to write another chapter into the AFL’s fiercest rivalry under wintery conditions.   

Speaking to Adelaide media, Goldsack discussed the skipper’s return from a hand injury, what to expect from fellow inclusions Joe Berry and Jed McEntee, and how the team is preparing for a wet and wild Showdown on Saturday night. 

Goldsack on Rozee proving his fitness for Showdown LVIII  

“He trained well on Wednesday. Got through different conditions Wednesday. We wanted to see him under what we think is going to be like-for-like (situations) tomorrow night. He got through, did some tackling stuff at the end. So we’re pretty confident (he will play).”  

“He’s a great player, but just his leadership going into games for us, being able to rally the troops is big, and he loves a Showdown, so what better time to bring him back.”  

“For him, ‘Why would he not play?’, was basically his questions. He’s feeling good. It’s more about a pain management thing for him and he managed the pain really well (in training). So for him there were no concerns at all.”  

Goldsack on Jed McEntee and Joe Berry returning to the AFL side  

“Not necessarily (whether McEntee has been recalled for a specific role on game day), it is more about the game style we’re expecting it to be (on Saturday night) and that he plays those conditions well. He’s had some good form in the Maggies too so he’s ready to go and I’ve got no doubt he’ll take this opportunity with both hands.” 

“I think (Joe’s) understanding of the game is better. Instead of just going out there with no real understanding of what AFL football is, he’s been able to go back and work on the specific things he’s needed to in the Maggies. I think he’s a better player for it and hopefully he shows it tomorrow night.” 

Goldsack taking learnings from the wet weather conditions in Launceston last week  

“We spoke about that. We’ve got one in the back pocket now and we know what it takes. I mean, you know what wet weather footy is going to be and what it should feel like, but we probably lacked in certain areas that we needed to better in. That was contested ball, being clean over a wet ball, how long you can stay over it for, where you’re moving the ball too, all those little things that add up throughout a game. We probably weren’t good enough last week. Hopefully we’re better tomorrow.” 

Goldsack on whether wet weather can impact a result 

“They generally do. The team that can take their chances when they get them (will be better off), a goal is almost worth two aren’t they in wet weather, so it should be an even contest. We hope it’s an even contest, we hope it’s a good game and we hope that we win.”  

Goldsack on defending the Crows forward line in the rain  

“They’ve got a great forward line. You can’t take anything away from that. They’ve got some pretty big targets that can mark the ball well. Nothing against our backs, but without Sav (Esava Ratugolea) there as a third tall option against their three talls, we know Lachie Jones can play tall, but the wet weather always helps defence.” 

Goldsack on Ken Hinkley and Chad Cornes final Showdown coaching Port Adelaide  

“Our meetings aren’t revolved around that, it has just revolved around trying to play the right way and win, and then that takes care of having a good night. Ken certainly hasn’t been beating his own drum about it being his last one. He just loves a Showdown and a win, so we’ll try and get that for him and for Chad.” 

Goldsack on Ken Hinkley’s focus as his time coaching Port Adelaide comes to an end  

“I wouldn’t say (he’s) relaxed. He’s in a position where he just wants to enjoy the last bit of football here. He’s so competitive, so he still wants to win. It’s not like he’s not doing the research on teams, or not making sure we’re training the right way or preparing ourselves right, because he still wants to get the best out of his players and do the right thing for them.” 

Goldsack on the potential of adding Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to Port Adelaide’s side in 2026  

“I wouldn’t even care if it was just down back. He can be anywhere he wants on the ground. He is in great form, he’s a great player. Are we chasing him? I guess we are. There are 18 teams chasing him. He’s a good player in good form so he’s doing himself no harm there.”