The Adelaide Football Club has signed its first AFL NSW Scholarship player, 16-year-old Taylor Walker from North Broken Hill Football Club.

Taylor is a 186cm key position player who has been a junior NSW state representative and a member of Broken Hill representative teams.

Adelaide Football Club recruiting manager James Fantasia believes that the AFL’s new NSW scholarship program is a unique and exciting opportunity for young footballers in the NSW regions.

“Taylor was able to present himself very well throughout the selection process and we believe that he has a unique opportunity to further his development with additional resources and support from our experienced coaching staff,” Fantasia said.

“Taylor is very excited about the scholarship and being an avid Adelaide Football Club supporter, has been pinching himself with the thought of running around the track with some of his idols.”

NSW Talent Manager Darren Denneman said: “It’s fantastic for Taylor Walker,” he said. “He recently appeared at the Burke Green Cup, which is a regional challenge event, and he really dominated. It was great to see the Adelaide Football Club there and I’m confident his footy will continue to develop.”

The scholarship program will start in January 2007 and provides an opportunity for those selected to receive additional development support from their respective AFL clubs. In the event that the player’s development warrants a spot on the club’s rookie or senior list after their 18th year, the club will have the option of including the player on to one of these lists without him having to enter the national draft.

Walker will continue to live and play in Broken Hill. The Adelaide Football Club will provide local support, monitor his progress and arrange regular visits to Adelaide for training and development.

Adelaide has one more NSW scholarship place available and intends to use it, Fantasia said.