Robert Walls slams Grand Final output of three Adelaide tall forwards against Richmond

CARLTON premiership great Robert Walls has delivered a scathing review of Adelaide’s three big forwards, claiming they “just accepted what came their way”.

Taylor Walker and Andy Otten after the Grand Final loss. Picture: Sarah Reed

CARLTON premiership great Robert Walls has delivered a scathing review of Adelaide’s three big forwards, claiming they “just accepted what came their way” during Saturday’s Grand Final.

Captain Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins and Andy Otten kicked just two goals between them — both to Walker — during their disappointing 48-point loss to Richmond at the MCG.

Walls said the Crows “went into the game top-heavy”, but added that the team “virtually got nothing” out of the big three forwards.

“It was the worst game of the season from those three,” Walls told Fox Sports News’ AFL Tonight.

“To me, what was disappointing was that they did nothing about it. There was no aggression shown, there was no ‘I’m sick and tired of not getting into the game, I’m going to bowl someone over and get the blood boiling’. They just accepted what came their way and to me that was bitterly disappointing.”

Despite booting a team-high two goals, Walls was particularly critical of Walker’s output, which yielded just 10 disposals and six marks.

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“He’s the captain, he’s a big strong man. But did you see him put any hard tackles on? Did you see him bowl anyone over? No,” Walls said.

Walls then turned his attention to Jenkins, who booted just 0.1 from seven disposals.

The premiership coach said Jenkins “fell short” when it counted most.

“He’s opened his mouth all year, he’s been the best receiver in the game in the goalsquare — the old Joe the Goose. But when it counted about getting out there and winning your own ball in pressure situations, he fell short,” Walls said.

Walls said Otten, who held his place in the side after Mitch McGovern was ruled out of the Grand Final with a hamstring injury, didn’t cope with the big stage well.

“Otten, when they put him to full-forward against (Alex) Rance, he was spooked. He didn’t know what to do and he gave away free kicks,” Walls said.

Taylor Walker, Rory Atkins, Rory Sloane, David Teague (assistant) and Andy Otten after the loss. Picture: Sarah Reed

Walls was also critical of Crows coach Don Pyke, claiming that he didn’t spin the magnets enough when Dylan Grimes had the better of Eddie Betts and the Tigers, in general, were well on top.

“Eddie should’ve been put into the midfield for five or six-minute bursts, get him away from Grimes who had his measure and give him a chance to get a few easier kicks and get his confidence up and get him running — that’s something that Walker could’ve done too,” Walls said.

“I think because the Crows won so many games, the coach barely made any moves. When the ship was sinking, hardly any moves were made.

“Part of that is because they’ve had such a good season, they haven’t had to think about ‘what do we do in desperate situations’? I don’t think Eddie was helped by keeping him stuck in the goalsquare.”