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A Wayne Carey-esque performance from brand new Adelaide captain Taylor Walker against North Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval surely sent shockwaves through the rest of the league.
One of the game’s very few traditional full forwards was at his blistering best with 22 disposals, 15 marks and 6.5.
His performance certainly put to rest any doubts about his appointment as the captain of the Crows.
As for his side, they were simply unfaultable apart from a brief concentration lapse just after half time.
The Crows regularly hunted the ball in numbers and their pressure around the contest resembled finals like intensity.
There was certainly a look of purpose and steely intent among Phil Walsh’s men and it is clear the players have bought in to the new coach’s game plan.
But it was the new skipper who kicked off proceedings and led from the front.
It did not come as any surprise to any of those in the Crows camp with football manager Phil Harper remarking in the pre-season that he could potentially kick 100 goals this season.
“He’s one of the power forwards of the competition and if anyone can do it, it’s him.
“He’s a machine and is certainly leading by example on the track, even more so since his appointment as captain.”
Walker’s breakout season came in 2012 where he booted 63 goals and cemented himself as one of the best forwards of the AFL.
It is no surprise that his dominance that season coincided with the Crows only missing out on the Grand Final by a single kick.
He has experienced a frustrating past 24 months in Adelaide due to requiring a knee-reconstructing after rupturing his ACL early in the 2013 season.
He showed glimpses of his ability last year with standout games against Gold Coast and Brisbane Lions but he was not able to consistently be a focal point.
But now he is fit and firing and his game on the weekend was enough to make even the competition’s best defenders nervous men.
It is only very early in the season, but could Walker’s resurgence be enough to lead the Crows into top four contention?
Taylor Walker was instrumental in the Crows 21.14.140 defeating north Melbourne 9.9.63
About Jackson Clark
Born and bred in Darwin, Northern Territory, I am a young, aspiring football writer that lives and breathes the game of Australian Football. I'm also a keen player and coach.
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great game for the crows,good to see a captain lead from the front,this is what has been lacking from the crows since roo retired