Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker silences critics in 10-point victory

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker wound back the clock on Friday to claim the title of the AFL’s most prolific goal kicker.

Taylor Walker of the Crows.

Welcome back, Tex.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker is the AFL’s leading goal-kicker this season following a superb performance against the Gold Coast Suns on Friday.

The 30-year-old wound back the clock at Adelaide Oval, booting six goals and contributing 23 disposals in the 10-point victory.

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Walker has kicked 17 goals in the 2021 premiership to date — in just three rounds, he has already overtaken last season’s personal tally of 15 majors.

He’s only the second AFL player to kick five or more goals in each of the first three rounds of a season since 1993, joining Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown.

Taylor Walker of the Crows.

Walker told Fox Footy after the win: “I might have a bag of chocolates tonight, that’s for sure.

“They’re a quality side, and we were able to hold on right to the end … it’s bloody good fun, I love it.”

Adelaide captain Rory Sloane said: “He’s in some sort of nick, isn’t he? He’s like a (Penfolds) Grange, he’s like a fine wine the Texan, just getting better with age.

“He’s been outstanding and he’s loving his footy.”

Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy: “He did it all. We saw him have marks, kick big goals, he had tackles, he had hitouts ... I haven’t seen him do this for a long time.

“Bubbling under the skin would’ve been all the criticism he’s had over the last couple of seasons, ‘Is he finished? The knees are gone, he doesn’t have the jump or spring’.

“He‘s had a big pre-season, he’s obviously feeling good about himself — jeez, he looks good. He looks really good.”

ABC broadcaster Alister Nicholson tweeted: “Tex Walker’s resurgence is potentially the story of the season.”

Journalist Alex Fair posted: “Tex’s resurgence is simply one of the best things about 2021 so far. What a story.”

no idea where this Tex has been for the last few years but I am HERE for the comeback #AFLCrowsSunshttps://t.co/flAofixZzf

— Madeleine Dunne (@MadeleineDunne) April 2, 2021

Oooooft how about that Tex bloke #AFLCrowsSuns

— Camron Slessor (@camronslessor) April 2, 2021

Seriously incredible what Taylor Walker is doing. He looked done and now he has 17 goals from three games. Brilliant. #AFLCrowsSuns

— Luke D'Anello (@LukeDAnello) April 2, 2021

Tex Walker currently on NBA Jam. #weflyasone#AFLCrowsSunspic.twitter.com/W9ufh6IR2e

— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) April 2, 2021

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After trailing by 23 points in the opening term, the Crows ultimately secured a 14.11 (95) to 12.13 (85) victory, the home crowd erupting when the final siren sounded in Adelaide.

The lead changed hands on seven occasions during the topsy-turvy round three clash, but Ned McHenry’s late goal sealed the win.

Ben King mustered four majors for the Suns, while Sloane managed a game-high 35 disposals.

Adelaide will next face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, while Gold Coast will take on Carlton next weekend.

Originally published as Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker silences critics in 10-point victory