Adelaide forward Taylor Walker says an inability to stop Essendon’s “flow” in the first half was the decisive factor in its 18-point loss at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. 

The Bombers were at their destructive best in the opening two quarters, piling on 12 goals to open up an unassailable 37-point lead at the main change. 

Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide Breakfast, Walker said the first half performance was a “step backwards.” 

“Disappointing for the first half because we knew exactly how they were going to play and we couldn’t stop the flow of goals,” Walker said. 

“I reckon we took a step backwards on the weekend, however we still fought until the end and only lost by three goals. 

“If you went around and asked the 23 players that played I reckon only a handful would have said they won their position.” 

The loss was the Crows’ sixth from seven matches away from Adelaide Oval this season. 

Walker admitted the poor record on the road was a concern and something the group was desperate to address. 

“We’ve certainly addressed that (our struggles on the road) that’s for sure,” Walker said. 

“We haven’t won on the road for a while now and have tweaked things from Monday to Friday in terms of when we travel and train, but it doesn’t seem to be working for us at the moment.” 

Adelaide will get a chance to respond this Saturday night as it faces Greater Western Sydney on its home deck in Rory Sloane’s 250th game. 

“I am really excited for this one (against GWS),” Walker said. 

“Rahls (James Rahilly) straight after the game (on Sunday) said all I want you to do this weekend is play like Rory Sloane has for his 249 games which is hard, tough and fair. 

“The Giants are in very good form, so we will need to start the game well and put together four solid quarters to get a good win for Sloaney.”