Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson has ordered his players to embrace their spiteful combat against home-town AFL rivals Port Adelaide.

In a marked difference to former Crows coach Neil Craig, Sanderson says Sunday’s showdown isn’t just another game for the two South Australian clubs.

“Obviously we only get four points if we win,” Sanderson said on Friday.

“But there are certain special weeks in the football calendar and to the Adelaide Football Club, it doesn’t get much bigger than playing Port Adelaide.

“So internally we have built up the game.

“The players are aware that this is a pretty special game for our fans – win, lose or draw we’ll be giving it everything we possibly can.”

Craig, when coaching the Crows, downplayed the significance of the local battles by maintaining they were merely another game – but Sanderson disagreed.

“Our boys, particularly the ones that are South Australian born and raised, they understand the significance of this game for the state and for the psyche of our supporters,” Sanderson said.

“We haven’t hid from that this week – you have got embrace your rivalry some time and not play them down.”

Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus, hoping to end a three-game losing streak, said a fixture against the Crows always added spice to his club.

“As a footy club we have always enjoyed playing these games,” Primus said on Friday.

“But regardless of who we were playing this week, we understand we need to get a win … that we’re playing Adelaide in a showdown, so be it.

“You can’t help but get carried away with the build-up towards it.”

Port enter Sunday’s AAMI Stadium encounter with one win and three losses, but Sanderson was wary of the Power.

“We admire the Port Adelaide Football Club and the way they’re playing,” Sanderson said.

“I think Matty has done a great job over the summer, they’re playing a style that is certainly sustainable long term and I think they’re certainly on the right track.

“While we’re 3-1 and they’re 1-3, I think the sides are evenly matched going into this contest so it should be an absolute belter.”