Taylor Walker’s match-winning, five-goal performance against St Kilda on Saturday night stirred fond childhood memories for Crows utility and teammate Brayden Cook, even as he competed out on the ground.

Cook grew up a Crows fan, and admitted all he could do was smile as he watched the Club’s all-time leading goalkicker wind back the clock to get his team across the line.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Cook said Walker’s heroics lifted the whole team and spoke glowingly on how the 35-year-old overcame adversity to impact the match.

“You definitely walk a little bit taller when you see Tex up there performing like he did on Saturday night,” Cook said.

“I grew up a Crows supporter and have been watching him for years, so sometimes when I’m on the field and see him doing what he does it puts a big smile on my face. 

“The most impressive thing about it for me was how he stood up in big moments, we were a forward down in the first quarter, which meant he had to work a bit harder ahead of the ball. 

“I think in that second half we really made it easier for him, kicked him the ball in better positions and allowed him to go to work.”

Outside of Walker’s exploits, Cook provided arguably the highlight of the night in the form of a classy checkside finish early in the third term.

The 23-year-old said consistently practicing those types of shots on goal at training allowed him to execute perfectly in the game.

“It was actually funny, even after the game I was talking to one of our staff members and he was saying ‘mate you were practicing that Captain’s Run all session before the game so no wonder it went through’,” Cook said. 

“As a kid you are always practicing shots like that, and that’s what I like to do the day before a game, get in front of the goals and have a bit of fun. 

“So it was nice to see that practice come off and have that go through in the game, I’ve watched it back a few times, it’s been a bit hard to avoid seeing it around.” 

Cook has enjoyed a consistent start to his sixth season in the AFL system, playing in all six matches at senior level and averaging career highs in disposals (16.7) and marks (5.0). 

He said a deliberate focus to improve his fitness was the catalyst behind his improvement. 

“Each off-season I’ve had little things I’ve needed to fix up, but this one was just really obvious for me, and talking to Burgo (Darren Burgess) at the end of last year it was all about needing to get fitter,” Cook said. 

“That’s allowed me to show what I can do more consistently, which has been the major difference for me this year. 

“Having the coaches back me in each week has been huge and does massive things for my confidence. 

“The weekend’s game is just a product of that, I’ve done a lot of work mentally just to not fade out of games.”

Adelaide travels to Brisbane this Sunday afternoon to take on the Lions at the GABBA, with the first bounce at 2.45pm (ACST).