Adelaide Crows star Taylor Walker drops career plans to fans at Highway Hotel meet and greet

The Adelaide Crows legend has told fans at a $50+ meet and greet how long he intends to play on, what he’s going to do after – and what he thought of Dan Houston’s bump.

Taylor Walker has revealed he’s keen to play on next year – and beyond that, a radio career beckons while he wants to stay involved in footy as well.

On Wednesday night, the Crows legend had his adoring fans on the edge of their seats at The Highway hotel at Plympton as he gave an insight into his life on and off the field.

That included revealing that the Crows’ Mad Monday would have a golf theme – he reckons he’ll win the day – and that he was upset this week by the death of one of his favourite Home and Away characters, Felicity (played by Jacqui Purvis).

Walker’s event advertised with a $53 general admission fee or $136 for show entry and professional photo package, offering fans the chance to get a snap with the AFL icon.

The event’s MC told the crowd there were 106 people in the house – meaning even without any happy snaps the evening would rake in more than $5600.

Taylor Walker has told fans he was keen to get into radio after he hangs up his boots. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Walker told fans that he expected his immediate playing future to be settled in coming days, adding the 2025 season would “more than likely” be his last.

Walker said that he was “really keen” to get into radio post his AFL career but that he wanted to stay in footy “somehow”, perhaps locally, as he would need to “scratch that itch”.

He was also candid in his views about Port Adelaide star Dan Houston’s hit on his teammate Izak Rankine, saying he could not believe the controversial bump had been rated as careless rather than deliberate.

The event came after an Advertiser.com.au poll in which 79 per cent of respondents said the Adelaide Football Club should re-sign ‘Tex’ for next season.

The key forward is far from alone among current and former AFL stars cashing in on the opportunity to talk directly to fans who’ll pay to see and listen to their idols close up.

Walker is on par with the likes of Carlton star Patrick Cripps, who offers a $132.38 meet and professional photo deal.

Brisbane Lion and South Australian footy product Lachie Neale, with teammate Cam Rayner, offer a $105.24 meet with selfie photo.

Cam Rayner and Lachie Neale of the Brisbane Lions charge more than $100 for their professional photo deal. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Essendon players Jordan Ridley and SA star Sam Draper charge juniors $59 for a show and photo while it’s $89 for adults for their double act.

While some may think in this cost-of-living crisis these footy stars are charging a lot, Australian rapper The Kid Laroi charges $799.90 for the opportunity to be in his presence.

US Vice President Kamala Harris is charging $US50,000 (AU$74,200) for a signed photo.

That, of course, is part of a fundraising drive ahead of November’s presidential election.

Meet and greets are becoming big money spinners and not just for icons of the sporting and music worlds or for campaigning politicians. It’s also hit the world of children’s entertainment.

For example, if kids want to meet their favourite characters at the Paw Patrol live shows around the country, it costs $94.90.

Originally published as Adelaide Crows star Taylor Walker drops career plans to fans at Highway Hotel meet and greet