Adelaide had endured one of its darkest days early in the 1997 season when it was upset by new rival Port Adelaide in the first Showdown.

But four months later Adelaide was sitting in second spot on the premiership table and Port’s impressive first year in the competition had it within touch of the top eight.

Showdown II, however, did not start well for the Crows. Port kicked the first five goals of the match on a wet night at Football Park and although Adelaide steadied, it still trailed by 23 points at the last change.

What followed was one of the greatest quarters in Adelaide’s history. Inspired by ruckman Shaun Rehn, the Crows chipped away at the lead before two goals to Andrew McLeod and Troy Bond within a minute late in the final term turned an 11-point deficit into a one point lead.

There were many desperate acts in the last minutes but Peter Vardy slammed though another goal for the Crows from the forward pocket just before the siren to secure Adelaide’s first Showdown victory.

Adelaide 0.1 4.3 5.5 9.11 (65)

Port 5.1 7.1 9.4 9.4 (58)