The South Australian clubs have decided to re-enter yesteryear and award six players from the first half-dozen Showdowns best on ground medals.

The first contest between Port Adelaide and Adelaide took place in 1997, with the Power earning early bragging rights after a hard-fought victory.

However, the medal was first introduced in the year 2000, with Crows champion Mark Ricciuto being the first recipient of the-then "West End Medal" for his standout performance.

Before the turn of the century, the cross-town rivals competed in six marquee contests and were unable to be split on the ledger, with each club claiming three wins each.

The retrospective medal winners will be revealed in the week of Showdown 57, to be played at Adelaide Ovalย on May 10.

South Australian club CEOs Matthew Richardson and Tim Silvers agreed it was important to recognise the history between the two clubs, and awarding the six medals was a significant part of that.

"Every Showdown has a unique story and within those stories are the heroes who were considered matchwinners in those games and helped shape the great memories we all have, ย and ultimately the rivalry we have today," Richardson said.

"It is significant now that both clubs have come together to officially recognise the best-on-ground performances from the six Showdowns played from the start of 1997 to the end of 1999."

In the pair of 1997 contests, Port Adelaide duo Darren Mead and Gavin Wanganeen were awarded three Brownlow votes by the umpires, while Brendon Lade featured in their votes.

The following season saw Crows defender Nathan Basset receive maximum votes, as did Mark Ricciuto.

In 1999, Kane Johnson and Lade were recognised for their efforts with three votes.

Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray holds the record for most Showdown medals with five, while Ricciuto, Josh Francous, Sam Jacobs and Travis Boak possess three.

The Showdown has quickly become one of the most highly-anticipated clashes on the AFL calendar, with calls suggesting it deserves a prime-time slot for the entire nation to see.

After 56 outings, both Port Adelaide and Adelaide could not be split, recording 28 victories each.

Season 2025 will host two more battles between the proud South Australian clubs, firstly in Round 9, then Round 20.