Forward Taylor Walker will visit a world-renowned knee rehabilitation specialist in the United States this month as he prepares to ramp up his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.
Walker is progressing well in his recovery, but is leaving no stone unturned.
The Adelaide spearhead will be joined for part of the trip by Crows rehabilitation physio Duncan Kellaway. A former physio with Geelong, Kellaway met Knowles through a colleague at the Cats.
Knowles has more than 20 years of experience working with elite and Olympic athletes around the world. His past clients include Tiger Woods, English Rugby star Jonny Wilkinson, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady. He’s also consulted with a number of English Premier League teams, including Chelsea and its prized midfielder Frank Lampard.
Walker will also get some down time during his trip, visiting several other US cities.
The star goalkicker said he was looking forward to training with Knowles, who focuses not only on rehabilitation but also injury prevention.
“I’ll work with Bill for 10 days, doing two sessions a day from Monday –Friday of the first week, then have the weekend off and go back Monday – Wednesday the next week,” Walker said.
“Bill is big on acceleration and deceleration, and jumping and landing as part of his reconditioning program. He’s a world leader in his field and I can’t wait to see what he’s got to offer.
“Hopefully, it’ll hold me in good stead to get back.”
Walker sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and torn lateral ligament (LCL) in an awkward landing against Carlton at the MCG in Round Five. The two-time Crows leading goalkicker had reconstructive surgery to repair the damage, confining him to a knee brace for two months.
He took a significant step in his year-long recovery in late-August, running for the first time with the aid of an anti-gravity treadmill. Walker has since progressed to running outdoors.
The 2012 All-Australian nominee said Kellaway had been “amazing” support in rehab.
“Duncan has helped me out no end and he’s a great fella,” Walker said.
“I’ll be spending a fair bit more time with Dunc. He’s very knowledgeable and I back him in to give me a good program and get me back next year.”
Walker also praised the support he’d received from players at other clubs and teammates including Andy Otten and Brodie Martin, who have both made successful returns from knee reconstructions.
“I’ve had a lot of text messages from not only guys at the Club, but guys interstate who have had similar injuries. I was very lucky to be able to bounce things off other guys,” he said.
For now, Walker is focused on getting back on the training track.
Once he does that, his focus will shift to working with the Crows forward line, which looks considerably different to when he last played in April.
“A few boys have had opportunities this season. Lewis Johnston and Tommy Lynch had chances and took it with both hands,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to a big pre-season with the boys. Hopefully, we can build a strong unit down there going forward and, hopefully, win a flag with it.”
Walker’s next home game for Adelaide will be at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval.
“Whenever I drive past Adelaide Oval, I get shivers down my spine,” he said.
“I had mixed emotions coming to the game against Melbourne and watching the boys play our last game at AAMI Stadium … it’s one chapter closing and a new one opening. I’m really looking forward to Adelaide Oval.
“I played a couple of SANFL finals there with Norwood a few years ago and I really enjoyed it. I reckon it’s going to be exciting not just for the Club but for Adelaide as a whole.”
Visit afc.com.au/adelaideoval and learn more about Crows membership atAdelaide’s new home ground
