Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks responds to the Taylor Walker and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera reports

Taylor Walker’s 2021 racism incident was back in the spotlight this week amid reports around Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s future – now Crows coach Matthew Nicks has had his say.

Matthew Nicks let Taylor Walker know how proud he was of his personal development after the Adelaide veteran’s four-year-old racism incident returned to the spotlight this week.

In the wake of reports that Walker’s 2021 indiscretion would stop St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera joining the Crows, Nicks limited his involvement to supporting people, including the club’s former captain.

Wanganeen-Milera rang Walker to refute the story and assure him the incident would not play a part in his contract decision this year.

The Saints half-back’s manager, Ben Williams, of Players Ink, also dismissed the report as false.

Taylor Walker and the Crows celebrate last week in the win over Brisbane. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos

Nicks said he did not like how this week’s claims played out.

“I think it was unfair to a lot of people,” Nicks said.

“I didn’t get any more involved than checking in with Taylor, for example, to make sure he knows I’m proud of what he’s done since an unacceptable moment four years ago.

“He’s done a lot of work on educating himself, actually probably more than anyone at the footy club.

“But our whole footy club has improved off the back of that (incident).

“I’d prefer not to talk further on it because it’s not something I’ve got involved in, other than touching base with one or two people.”

Nicks would not discuss where his club stood in the chase for Wanganeen-Milera, who was out of contract at season’s end.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in action at Norwood Oval. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Taken by St Kilda at pick 11 in the 2021 national draft, Wanganeen-Milera is weighing up re-signing or returning to his home state of South Australia.

“We don’t talk about players from other footy clubs,” Nicks said.

“It’s something we’ve shown a lot of respect around over the years.”

Adelaide is seeking to maintain its momentum against Hawthorn in Launceston on Friday night after beating reigning premier Brisbane last week.

The Crows will make at least one change, replacing suspended midfielder James Peatling.

Adelaide’s top draftee, Sid Draper, will spend another week in the SANFL.

Originally published as Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks responds to the Taylor Walker and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera reports