Adelaide Crows coach Don Pyke not surprised by captain Taylor Walker’s response to critics

CROWS coach Don Pyke expected nothing less from his captain Taylor Walker and his team, in particular the young guns who were so brave in Adelaide’s remarkable win at the SCG.

Taylor Walker put a tough week behind him. Picture: AAP

CROWS coach Don Pyke expected nothing less from his captain Taylor Walker and his team, in particular the young guns who were so brave in Adelaide’s remarkable 10-point win against Sydney at the SCG.

“Our leaders — (starting with) the captain were just outstanding,” Pyke said after Walker achieved a season-best four goals against the Swans.

“Their presence on the game and their ability to set a standard demanded that it be followed.

“I was super proud of (Walker) in particular, especially after some of the opinion that had been around about him. And sometimes it helps when you back people in.

“Taylor is a really proud guy,” added Pyke of Walker, who missed the pre-season with plantar fascia flaring in his left foot.

“He has not been happy with his form either. But I was super proud of him tonight.

“It was one of those occasions he came to play, he came to lead — and he did it really well.”

Taylor Walker kicked four goals to lead his Crows to victory over the Swans. Picture: Getty Images

Adelaide’s response to the 48-point loss to Collingwood at Adelaide Oval seven days earlier was complete with a four-quarter effort against the Swans.

“Last week, not too much went right ... sometimes that just happens,” Pyke said after guiding Adelaide to just its second win in the past eight matched against the Swans.

“We brought in some younger players who contributed really well,” added Pyke, who called up Myles Poholke for his first AFL game as the Crows dealt with a heavy injury list.

“They played their role; did what we asked of them.

“Riley Knight came back in (for his first AFL game this season). Myles and Jordan (Gallucci) came in with a really clear focus on what they needed to do — and they were able to play in a really bold fashion. They bought an effort and attitude that I felt was fantastic.”

Adelaide lifted its win-loss count to 3-2 — and prepares for a month at Adelaide Oval — to keep its top-four aspirations alive.

Riley Knight is tackled by Sydney’s Luke Parker. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Pyke again ignored the hyperbole that will grade the win against the Swans as the best home-and-away victory in his three years as Crows coach.

“It was a fantastic win — no doubt about that,” Pyke said.

“Last week was really disappointing — and the guys felt that. They are a really proud group, so I was always confident I would get a response.

“There were a couple of setbacks during the week — and for them to come out and play the way they did and get that result was just outstanding.”

Those setbacks included the need to rest vice-captain Rory Sloane (foot) and the loss of midfielder Curtly Hampton at training in Sydney on Thursday. The pain continued during the game with the loss of defender Kyle Hartigan (left hamstring) making Andy Otten’s call-up — to replace Hampton — a blessing for Pyke.

Originally published as Adelaide Crows coach Don Pyke not surprised by captain Taylor Walker’s response to critics