Captain Taylor Walker believes Adelaide’s spirited win over the Sydney Swans on Friday night was one of the Club’s best in recent times.
After a lacklustre display at home against Collingwood last Friday, the Crows team, individual players and coaches were subjected to a week of intense scrutiny.
The assignment against the seasoned Swans, who Adelaide had only beaten once in its last seven attempts, was made even more difficult by injuries to starting midfielders Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch and Brad Crouch and four-time leading goalkicker Eddie Betts among others.
On the back of strong work at the contest, the Crows had more scoring shots in the first quarter against the Swans than for the whole game against the Pies.
Despite going a rotation down when Kyle Hartigan injured his hamstring in the first half, Adelaide resisted several Sydney surges to hold on to a memorable 10-point win.
A proud Walker said the Crows had been able to shut out the external noise during the week.
“With our backs against the wall and our performance last week, it’s one of the best wins we’ve had as a footy club in the last few years,” Walker said after the game.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinions, whether you listen to them or not. We were crystal clear about what we needed to do and we trained that during the week.
“We reaped the rewards tonight.”
No one was criticised more following the loss to Collingwood than Walker.
His own harshest judge, the key forward was disappointed with both his and his team’s performance but displayed leadership and resilience to respond the way he did at the SCG.
Walker won his battle with veteran Heath Grundy, kicking four goals from seven marks and 16 disposals.
After the game, coach Don Pyke singled out his skipper for praise following a week in which the 27-year-old’s leadership, intent and fitness were all queried.
Walker, who admits he’s “slowly getting there” after a pre-season foot injury, didn’t buy into the commentary around his own game.
“Not at all, I don’t read about it at all,” he said.
“All I listen to is my coaches and the people I trust.”
Walker, who combined with fellow tall Josh Jenkins for seven goals, was one of a host of strong contributors in Adelaide’s gutsy win.
Paul Seedsman and Rory Atkins won the ball and hit the scoreboard, while Bryce Gibbs, Hugh Greenwood, Cam Ellis-
With the support of his teammates, who routinely dropped off their own opponents to help, All Australian full-back Daniel Talia held Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin
Rory Laird continued his brilliant
“We rely on 22 blokes to play a role … across the ground, everyone was outstanding,” Walker said.
“You see guys get opportunities, (debutant Myles) Poholke, (second-gamer Jordan) Gallucci and ‘Otto’ (Andy Otten) come back into the side and played a great role.
“I think our members and supporters would be really happy with the way we played tonight.
“Now, it’s just a challenge to continue that week in and week out.”
