Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker has opened up on just how close he came to retiring at the end of 2020 after “battling” through the Covid year.
Walker, who this weekend becomes just the ninth Crow to reach 250 games, says he considers himself lucky to still have a year to run on his deal when it came to end-of-year conversations in 2020.
“Certainly in the Covid year I was struggling for a kick. I think I kicked a total 15 goals that year. I was really battling for form,” he admitted on AFL 360.
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“Nicksy kept playing me.
“We finished last on the ladder and I think I was very lucky to have a year on my contract the following year because it would have been an interesting conversation at the end of that year as to whether I went on or not.
“To be able to have that extra year and the coaches and football club back me in again, I’ve then repaid that faith. To be able to go out and perform the last few years has been very pleasing.”
Since that 2020 season, Walker has kicked 48 and 47 goals respectively in back to back seasons and remains on track for another big tally in 2023.
The Crows forward, who leads the club for career goals with 565 to his name, said this week had been “quite emotional” reflecting on his 250 games.
And he shared a hilarious tale on how he and his three children have prepared for the milestone.
“Our game obviously from week to week it continues to roll on, (it’s) not until things like this occur you’re able to sit back with family, friends, teammates and coaches and reflect on the journey that’s been had so far,” he said.
“Ellie, my wife, asked me the other day what I’m really looking forward to most and I just want to run out with my kids mate!
“That’s what I’m looking forward to.
“We’ve been practising up and down the hallway the last few nights!”
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Walker, who is now in his 15th year at the Crows, was snapped up with pick 75 as a NSW scholarship player back in the 2007 AFL Draft, and is a former captain of the club.
On Saturday, Walker expects plenty of family and friends in the stands for his big milestone.
“I’ve had to get a fair few tickets for my family and friends from Broken Hill. And some good family and friends from down here in Adelaide,” he laughed.
“I’d imagine there’s going to be a bay with a few hoodies and shirts on on Saturday.”
Adelaide will take on West Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.