Taylor Walker speaks to Mark Robinson: My racism regret and becoming a better person

In a candid interview with Mark Robinson, Taylor Walker reflects on the racism scandal which almost ended his AFL career and what he has learned three years on.

It’s a cheapish grab – three years after the event – to ask Taylor Walker about the racism scandal which swallowed him in 2021.

‘’It was the lowest point in my life,’’ he says.

Yet, from that impulsive naivety – if not stupidity – has grown a man who hasn’t deviated from the plan to better himself. At 33, Walker won’t stop learning.

In a footy sense, he’s learning to listen to his creaky body, learning to better teach the kids at the Crows and, as a player, he says he’s learning from coach Matthew Nicks, who is an “awesome” teacher of the modern game.

In a personal sense, fatherhood is first and foremost – he and wife Ellie have three kids, Hugo, Louis and Harriet – but always there’s that obligation to himself, and also to the Indigenous community.

He can’t right the wrong of that fateful moment, when his awful words cut so deep and led to a suspension of six weeks. But he can try.

“It was the lowest point of my life to be honest,’’ Walker says.

“In saying that, I knew how much it affected others. The biggest thing I took out of it was how much words can hurt other people.

“The old saying that if you could take your words back, you would, but … I’ve learnt so much about cultures, Indigenous communities. I’ve gone to work and I feel like I’m better for it. I don’t know if that’s quite the wording, I just feel I’ve learnt so much and I’m super-conscious of how words can impact other people.’’

Taylor Walker in his video apologising to Robbie Young.

Some will never forgive, nor forget, but Walker’s initial response was the necessary pathway. He didn’t apportion blame. He didn’t make excuses. All he could do was own it, apologise, and vow to improve himself as a person.

Clearly, it was a harrowing time for the abuser; and even worse for the abused.

In the aftermath, Walker’s former teammate Graeme Johncock, an Indigenous man, was solid.

“He was one of the guys I lent on quite a bit,’’ Walker says.

It’s why, when the Crows visited Port Lincoln in the pre-season, Walker sought out Johncock at the Mallee Park Football Club, a football institution in the seaside town.

The “Peckers” have an incredible connection with the AFL, with the likes of Peter and Shaun Burgoyne, Eddie Betts, Byron Pickett, Daniel Wells, Aaron Davey and Johncock previously involved with the club. Walker’s visit came with some trepidation.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have nerves,” he says. “But they are very forgiving people. It’s a highly Indigenous-populated footy club, so for me, I just want to continue to get out in the community, learn and grow and listen, and to see how things happen in those communities. They embraced me like I was one of their own to be honest.

“I walked away thinking I’ve grown again, I’ve learnt even more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.’’

Graham Johncock and Taylor Walker during the Adelaide Crows’ 2024 pre-season at the Mallee Park Football Club in Port Lincoln. Picture: Supplied

It is a different enjoyment that is driving Walker’s footy.

He missed the Crows’ first game of the 2024 season against Gold Coast because – a day after a weights session – he tweaked his back when picking up his daughter “Hattie” at home.

He will return to the team for Friday night’s clash with Geelong. It will be his 261st game.

Barring the back issue, it was an uneventful pre-season, which is exactly what you crave if you’re a veteran starting his 16th season.

“These past couple of off-seasons, I’ve started listening to my body because previously I tried to push through a little bit of soreness,’’ Walker says.

For example, he did two of the three weekly running sessions, and hit the pool twice a week. “I’m still blowing up my lungs, but not physically smashing my body.’’

He worked closely with Josh Manuel, the 2IC in strength and conditioning. “He gave me an amazing strength program and I think strength is massive because it gives you a foundation to reach the highest speeds that you need, which also gives you lots of injury prevention.’’

It’s a maturity thing, he says, which helps free the mind.

And it’s been maturity and fatherhood that has reigned in one of the legendary South Australian social lives. Walker say he still has a beer after a game, but late nights are rare.

“I don’t drink until 2am because I have to get up at 6am every morning,’’ he says. “My kids don’t understand what a hangover is.’’

At 33, he says he “knows so much more, been through so much, and you learn so much’’.

Walker was named an All-Australian last year. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It’s certainly been a rollercoaster. Post the 2017 Grand Final debacle, Walker’s footy collapsed. In 2018 – and after the notorious pre-season Crows camp – he kicked 26 goals in 14 games. In 2019, it was 43 goals in 22 games. In 2020, the walls caved in. He kicked 15 goals in 14 games and many observers questioned if Walker was washed-up.

The fact is, the Crows struggled and so did Walker in the ultra-defensive landscape.

It seemed he spent most of his time under highballs against two or three opponents, and not on the end of lace-out delivery.

Season 2021 saw a personal renaissance, before the racism blow-up.

As the game opened up, Walker’s talent re-emerged. He kicked 48 goals in 17 games.

The next year was similar, with 47 goals in 18 games.

Then, in 2023, the stars aligned and Walker produced his best year. He kicked 76 goals in 22 games and earnt his first All-Australian jacket. Shunned three years previous for his off-field misdeed, he was now embraced, in the footy world at least, for his on-field deeds.

Walker says he won’t have any regrets if he doesn’t win a premiership. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s interesting you say that because, to be honest, I don’t read too much anymore,’’ Walker says. “I’m not on Twitter (X) any more, and I (only) watch the TV news if the kids allow me to turn the TV on. I got off Twitter. It’s a time-waster. I don’t get caught up with all that stuff now. I don’t read other peoples’ opinions.

“When you go through challenges in life, you understand who your closest friends and family are. I don’t need to go on social media to justify what people think of me.

“I know what my friends and family mean to me and that’s all I worry about now.

“I’ve got a great work-life balance … I’m very content with my life.’’

Walker says he will play football for as long as he has the passion – and he stresses that passion is not waning. He lists the talent at the club and the game style that has made the Crows a serious finals threat in 2024. “We were the No. 1 attack team last year, we’ve gotten better, which also helps my form,’’ he says.

A premiership would be nice, Walker adds, yet it’s pursuit does not consume him.

“If we were to make a Grand Final it would be a bonus,’’ he says. “If we don’t, I wouldn’t hate my career. I love going into the club. I get a massive kick out of the kids working on their craft Monday to Friday and then seeing them execute on the weekend.

“I feel like a dad, going into training and helping teach these kids, like I do at home (with my own kids).

“I still love packing my footy bag; still love the smell in the change rooms; I still love the competition on game day. I just love footy and I will miss it big-time when I leave.’’

Originally published as Taylor Walker speaks to Mark Robinson: My racism regret and becoming a better person