THURSDAY and Friday marked the eighth annual Aboriginal Power Cup as students from across South Australia represented their schools in the season-ending football carnival at Alberton Oval.

It also brought a close to the semester-long academic program that is at the heart of the Aboriginal Power Cup.

The Aboriginal Power Cup partners football with education to engage secondary students inside the classroom to maximise prospects of future employment.

Schools from all over South Australia who participate in nine-a-side games at Alberton over the two days leading up to Port Adelaide's Round 10 game against the Bulldogs at the Adelaide Oval.

The competition's winners - Le Fevre High School's boys and Port Lincoln High's girls - were presented cups on final-day presentations at the home of the Power.

But they're not guaranteed a place in the final exhibition matches that are played as curtain raisers to Saturday night's under-lights blockbuster.

Schooling success plays a bigger part in earning the right to compete in these matches - carrying a weighting of 90%, with football success in the carnival just 10%.

Students are only asked to participate in the carnival over the past two days if they have successfully completed all the required school work.

Following the exhibition match, a traditional Aboriginal dance ceremony will take place.