Still in sparkling form, the career of Broken Hill’s longest serving AFL footballer Taylor Walker will continue into a 17th season next year with the key forward signing a new contract. Despite interest from other clubs, Walker has signed a one-year deal extension with the Crows.
Adelaide’s greatest ever goal kicker, Walker has produced arguably career-best form in 2023 and sits second on the Coleman Medal leader-board after Round 19.
Growing up an Adelaide Football Club supporter and being drafted from Broken Hill in 2007, after playing in a North Bulldogs A-Grade flag that year, Walker has now played 255 games and booted 590 goals in the club’s colours.
This year the former Club captain has kicked 54.21 at an average of three goals a game.
Adelaide GM List Management and Strategy, Justin Reid, said Walker continued to perform at a high level and play a crucial role in the development of his young teammates.
“The impact Taylor continues to have on our group is significant, not just with the football he is playing, which is evident, but the leadership and direction he provides on and off the field,” Reid said.
“That he remains one of the best forwards in the competition at his age is a credit to his attitude and work ethic and standards he sets at training and on game day. We are obviously very pleased his career will continue in 2024 as I’m sure our members and fans will be as well,” said Reid.
Walker said he was still enjoying his footy as much as ever and was excited about continuing his career with the club.
“I have loved the journey so far and this year getting back to playing some really exciting footy as a team,” Walker explained.
“On a personal level I’m pleased to be able to contribute to the team and I take a lot of pride and satisfaction in helping our younger players who are starting out on their own careers.”
On the weekend Walker passed Tony Modra (588 goals at Adelaide and Fremantle) to move into 38th place on the AFL/VFL all time goal kicking list.
The Crows have a big Showdown match this Saturday evening at Adelaide Oval starting at 7.10. Currently 13th on a tight premiership ladder with eight wins, Adelaide have a tough run home and will need a couple of big scalps to play in the major round this season.
“You can see from the footy we’ve played this year that we’re heading in the right direction and hopefully we get reward for that in the near future,” says Tex.
