Adelaide forward Taylor Walker says the decision to sit out of the Crows’ Round One clash against Gold Coast was taken with the rest of the season in mind. 

The 33-year-old was ruled out of the season opener on Wednesday due to back spasms. 

Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide Breakfast on Thursday morning, Walker revealed how he and the Club made the call to not make the trip up to Queensland. 

“I was very close (to playing) and had a bit of a run around yesterday, but at the age I am now I’ve got more the whole season in mind,” Walker said. 

“If it were a home game I probably would have been a lot closer (to getting up), but taking the flight into consideration, we weren’t sure how well it would hold up on the trip up to the Gold Coast. 

“So to miss this week gives me the best chance to play the rest of the year and in the end that is what the decision came down to. 

“It does give Burgo (Chris Burgess) and young Lachie Gollant a chance to come in, take some big speckies and do what all the Crows fans want to see.”

While the absence of the Crows’ all-time leading goal kicker will be a blow, it does give the likes of Darcy Fogarty, Chris Burgess and Lachlan Gollant a chance to step-up in the forward half. 

Walker said he was confident in the younger brigade and excited to see them get an opportunity. 

“I’ve seen the improvement in all the young guys, but the forwards especially have taken such a big step,” Walker said. 

“As weird as it sounds I’m actually really looking forward to sitting back and watching the boys go about it on Saturday night, it’s been a really enjoyable pre-season and everyone is champing at the bit to get into it. 

“Gold Coast had a good win last week, they are in good form and it will be a tough challenge, but we are looking forward to going up there and hopefully knocking them off.” 

Adelaide takes on Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7.40pm (ACDT).