PROMISING young forward Taylor Walker won’t be rushed into the Crows line-up as a quick fix for the club’s recent decline in scoring.

Walker has booted 26.13 in eight games with SANFL club Norwood including a two-week purple patch where he kicked 14-goals-straight.

The Broken Hill teenager slotted another four majors last weekend and his name was bandied around in the media as a potential replacement for Nick Gill, who has been omitted from the team to tackle Collingwood.

Patrick Dangerfield, who picked up 38 touches and two goals in the TAC Cup last week, was also talked up as a possible inclusion, but the club held firm in its decision not to disrupt his Year 12 studies unless absolutely necessary.

Adelaide Football Operations manager John Reid said Walker needed to establish an element of consistency in his game before he would seriously be considered to make his AFL debut.

“There was a lot of discussion [about Walker and Dangerfield] from people who don’t pick the team,” Reid told Radio 5AA.

“Both of them are going to be great young players for us. Last week, Taylor had a fantastic last quarter and a useful game all round. He’s coming along really well, but I think what we’re looking for from him is just that consistency.

“In a game he has two really good quarters and then two not so good quarters or one bad game and then a good game. He is what you would expect from an 18-year-old playing in the SANFL, but he’s coming along really well.”

Walker, who was Adelaide’s inaugural NSW Scholarship signing, has excited Crows fans with his athletic and strong marking 190cm, 87kg, frame, but has work to do on his concentration and the defensive side of his game.

“Taylor is a nice, long kick and has a really good technique. He has big hands and holds the ball really well,” Reid said.

“I’m really excited about him and I can’t wait for him to get in the side, to be honest, but you can rush those things.

“He needs to be able to maintain that level for periods of time and I’m certain that is what the selectors will be looking for.”