Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has described teammate Izak Rankine as “freakish” following his Goal of the Year contender against Essendon on Saturday.
The 24-year-old forward-turned-midfielder set the MCG alight mid-way through the third term, where he outran Bombers defender Andy McGrath, steadied from the junction of the 50 metre line and boundary line and delivered a classy finish.
Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide Breakfast, Walker explained why kicking a goal like that would’ve been so difficult.
“That goal was phenomenal, I was having some set shots pre-game and the breeze was going straight across the goals, which made putting it through from that spot incredibly difficult,” Walker said.
“There are people that are good, people that are great and people that are freakish, and he is freakish, the talent he has is just incredible to watch.”
Along with the exploits of Rankine, Walker highlighted the performance of fellow key forward Riley Thilthorpe, who booted three goals, recorded 16 disposals and polled three coaches’ votes.
“He ticks every box for me, he’s super fit, he’s quick, he reads the play well, he’s as competitive as they come and his skills on both sides of his body are elite,” Walker said.
“We are very grateful to have Filthy (Riley Thilthorpe) at our footy Club, and he’s just getting better and better, I don’t think he’s scratched the surface yet to be honest.”
Looking ahead to this weekend, Adelaide will celebrate one of its most accomplished players, as Rory Laird notches up his 250th game.
Having played alongside Laird for the entirety of his career, Walker spoke glowingly of what he had accomplished over his 249 games to date.
“For a bloke that was rookie drafted, he’s been in the All-Australian squad six times, been a Club Champion three times and I think he averages around 27 touches a game over 249 games, it’s just amazing,” Walker said.
“As a kid you get taught to hunt the footy, and that’s what he has been able to do at the highest level for a long period of time.
“It’s no real surprise that he’s gotten here to be honest, he’s the ultimate professional, he’s anal about his preparation, so I wish the little garden gnome all the best for the milestone this weekend.”
The Crows will be searching for a third straight win to start the season, as they welcome North Melbourne to Adelaide Oval this Sunday.
Walker said he expected a hard-fought contest against a Kangaroos side fresh off a strong win against Melbourne last week.
“I watched their game on Sunday afternoon and I think they are playing some really attractive footy, their midfield is stacked with some great young talent and they have a very good ruck,” Walker said.
“We are going to have to be right on our game all over the ground to beat them, and I’m expecting it’s going to be a really exciting game of footy.
“If we can bring it back to a contest game I think we will have a good chance of beating them.”
Adelaide faces North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval this Sunday, with the first bounce at 2.50pm (ACDT). Get your tickets here.
