Growing up a passionate Crows supporter, Brayden Cook understood better than most what a Showdown means - to the fans, the Club, and the players.

And while playing backyard footy as a youngster, Cook would only dream of wearing the Crows tri colours and kicking the winning goal in a Showdown.

On Friday night, that dream became a reality, when he received the ball from teammate Dan Curtin and, with 15 seconds to go in Showdown 59, his kick from just inside 50 sailed through for a goal.

The goal put the Crows back in front after a see-sawing final quarter, and led to Adelaide’s eventual one-point win.

Speaking to AFC Media after the game, Cook described the moment as surreal, recalling the rush of emotion and disbelief.

“Just saying that is giving me goosebumps, it’s 100 per cent what I dreamt about,” Cook said.

“My mind went blank (when I kicked it), and it was a bit of ‘fingers crossed that it goes thorough.

“When all the boys were getting around me, I was like ‘what just happened?

“It was almost a bit of an out-of-body experience. Seeing it soar through and having big Danny Curtin lift me up like a baby, it was pretty amazing.”

Cook also revealed that, to mark the occasion, Senior Coach Matthew Nicks delivered his final pre-game address in the players’ meeting room - moving away from the usual tradition of speaking in the centre of the changerooms.

Cook said the shift in setting was about embracing the magnitude of the moment and sharpening the group’s focus ahead of a big occasion.

“There’s always a significance around Showdowns, we know the rivalry is there, it’s real,” Cook said.

“Growing up a Crows supporter I’ve seen it firsthand for many years.

“It was just about building up the anticipation and making sure we are ready.”

The victory against the Crows’ crosstown rivals came after a heavy defeat to reigning premier Brisbane last weekend.

But the result against the Power didn’t come easy, as Port Adelaide stole the lead with 46 seconds remaining in the game, before Cook’s match-winner.

“I think when we were one-point up, we didn’t quite execute properly, but to flip the coin and go back the way we did, I am honestly stuck for words,” Cook said.

“It was about bringing it back to the way we like to play, our contest is so important, so bringing it back to that really gets us back on track.

“We didn’t have a good week last week, so to bounce back and get a gritty win was amazing.

“It means everything, it’s massive. We had our backs against the wall, we were a few men down and really had to scrap. We got a few things wrong, but to get over the line is amazing.”

Individually, Cook has put together his most consistent season so far, playing all eight of Adelaide’s matches, averaging 17.6 disposals, while lining up at times on the wing, in defence and inside-50.

He said a focus on improving his weaknesses, including his fitness, during the off-season was the catalyst behind his solid bout of form.

“At the end of last year, I definitely had some work-ons and I tried to find guys that they aligned with, so me and Tyler Welsh especially went to work and got a bit fitter,” Cook said.

“Even Tyler is playing some pretty good footy (in the SANFL), so it’s good.

“The work I did during the off-season, I really honed in on some specific things and I’m starting to reap the rewards a little bit.

“But I think maturing and having the trust of the coaches has been massive.”

The Crows will now enjoy a 10-day break, before a Mother’s Day match against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday, May 10.