In-form Crow Rory Laird has described Adelaide’s gutsy Showdown victory on Sunday as one of the best wins he’s been involved with.

The Crows led from start to finish, but there were momentum shifts aplenty in the finals-like match.

Adelaide got out to a five-goal lead in the second quarter before Port Adelaide rallied and kicked the last three goals of the term to cut the margin to 17 points at half time. The Crows kicked away once more in the third quarter, with Eddie Betts putting his team 36 points ahead at the 18-minute mark.

The fast-finishing Power piled on 4.5 in the last quarter, including a clutch goal to Robbie Gray with 70 seconds left on the clock to claw back within three points.

But Adelaide scrapped to gain possession of the footy and held on for a memorable three-point win – the Club’s first since the tragic loss of Senior Coach Phil Walsh a fortnight ago.

“It was unbelievable out there,” Laird said.

“We had a really good third quarter, but we went away from what we were doing and Port came back. They were always going to come. We said that at three-quarter time and credit to them … but we held strong, just.

“We found a few marks at the end and tried to slow it down. There were a couple of crucial tackles and plays that got us over the line.

“We thought we played okay last week at times. West Coast are a really good unit and we were in the game, but we sort of got caught up in the game and what it was meaning.

“This week, it was really good to get a win … it was tough, but credit to the boys for getting the four points.”

It was Laird’s first win from three attempts against the Power.

“It’s my first Showdown win and a very good one to be involved with,” he said.

“I’m just happy to get the win especially with the close rivalry that exists.

“I’ve had a few good ones (wins), but I’d say this one and the win (against North Melbourne in 2013) with ‘Pup’ (Jared Petrenko) kicking that goal – the ‘miracle at Etihad’.

“Those two are up there, definitely.”

One of Adelaide’s most improved and consistent players this season, Laird was instrumental again in Showdown XXXIX.

The tough utility finished with 19 possessions, below his season average of 23, but his ability to win crucial contests and apply pressure was again a feature.

One of those hard contests, in which the former rookie gathered the ball and flipped out a well-timed handball, saw him assisted from the ground in the second quarter

“I was all over the shop. I was a sook tonight!” Laird said with a laugh.

“I had a sore leg and limped off, and then a sore head and blood nose. I’ll be looking and feeling fantastic tomorrow, but I’ll be right.

“I’ll get a bit of recovery this week and be right to go next week.”

Two-time Crows Club Champion Scott Thompson added another award to his trophy cabinet, claiming the Phillip Walsh Medal as the best player on the ground.

The strong-bodied midfielder received 13 votes to claim thehonour ahead of teammate Sam Jacobs (10 votes) and Port Adelaide captain TravisBoak (six).

Thompson amassed 36 possessions, 13 clearances, eight tackles, five inside 50ms and a goal in a vintage display. Laird praised the 32-year-old’s consistency and durability.

“He’s not playing like a veteran at all, is he? I reckon he could go another 10 years!” Laird said.

“He’s unbelievable, a clearance machine and just gets the ball. He uses it well and it’s also his leadership out there, his talk and setting up.

“He’s crucial to our team and he’s played a ripper tonight.”

The win was also Adelaide’s first under Scott Camporeale, who stood up and accepted the unenviable task of taking over as Interim Coach following Walsh’s sudden passing.

“Campo has been really good in taking over. Obviously, it’s been under duress and tough circumstances. No one has ever been in that sort of position before,” Laird said.

“He’s kept it really simple, pretty much what Walshy was telling us. He’s been really clear with his messaging towards us in meetings and personally during the week. He’s just kept to what we’ve been doing pretty much throughout the year.

“It helps us play and to keep a clear mind on what we’re doing on game day.”

The win restored Adelaide’s place in the eight, with seven games remaining.

“We’re right in the middle of the pack … and every win’s crucial now in terms of us getting to the finals,” Laird said.

“We have to build on this and hopefully build that consistency next week and get a win.”