Adelaide Crows captain Taylor Walker re-signs until 2021

UPDATE: Adelaide captain Taylor Walker has re-signed with the Crows until the end of the 2021 season.

Taylor Walker is poised to sign a new contract with Adelaide until 2021. Picture: DAVID MARIUZ

ADELAIDE captain Taylor Walker has re-signed with the Crows until the end of the 2021 season.

The 27-year-old whose current contract is due to expire at the end of next season has recommitted to the club and the new deal, which was announced this morning.

“Like I have said many times before, I love the footy club, its people and especially my teammates,” Walker said.

“I am convinced this playing group can achieve the type of success we all crave and the supporters deserve.

“It will take sacrifice, everyone focusing on what is best for the team and plenty of hard work but I know the boys are up for the challenge.”

Crows head of football Brett Burton praised Walker for the manner in which he approached the recent negotiations.

“Tex is an influential leader and an important person around our club,” Burton said.

“He is also one of the competition’s elite forwards and continues to mature as a footballer, leader and person.

“His willingness to commit, in a way that assists the club in keeping this group together, highlights his faith in where we are heading and his team-first approach.”

Walker, who was appointed captain in 2015, was last year voted the best captain in the AFL.

CROWS NEED TO LEARN TO WIN UGLY: WALKER

He has played 142 games since debuting in 2009 after being recruited from Broken Hill and playing for Norwood in the SANFL.

Walker’s decision to extend his deal at West Lakes is another vote of confidence in current coach Don Pyke and the football department.

The attention will now turn to key defender Jake Lever who is one of the most sought-after off contract stars in the competition.

[e-mail]