Both of this year’s Showdowns are not being shown on free-to-air television for the second season in a row, despite the game growing into what many would argue is the greatest rivalry in the sport.

The two clashes between the Crows and Power last year were last-second thrillers, but Channel Seven has opted to show St Kilda versus West Coast instead this weekend.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says he personally feels the game would work on free-to-air or on a Friday night.

“I reckon we could (put the Showdown on a Friday night),” McLachlan told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“The direct response is two South Australian teams is – we’re working through that with Channel Seven.

“I’m South Australian, I think it’s one of the great games, it’ll be a cracker again this weekend.

“We haven’t got there yet, but I think it would be a good game for Friday night.”

SEN chief broadcaster Gerard Whateley feels the AFL has missed a trick with the Showdown and is behind the times.

“The fixturing is a bit slow to this I reckon,” he said.

“There’s a fascination with the game and it delivers so routinely.”

The Crows and Power clash tonight and you can hear the game live on 1116 SEN.