Taylor Walker has been voted by his peers as the best captain in the AFL in 2016.

Walker receives the prestigious honour in only his second season as captain.

The 26-year-old polled 127 votes to finish ahead of St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt (111) and Greater Western Sydney co-captain Callan Ward (109 votes).

“I’m absolutely rapt and honoured to receive this award voted on by my peers,” Walker said.

“I cast my mind back two years ago when I sat down and had a discussion with Phil Walsh. I was very hesitant to take on the job, but fast forward two years and I’m very happy that I took the role.

“I’ve got a great footy club to lead and my teammates are outstanding.

“A big thank you to Phil Walsh, who showed a lot of faith in me and a lot of trust.”

Walker finished third in the voting last year behind respected Western Bulldogs veteran Bob Murphy and Hawthorn premiership skipper Luke Hodge.

Walker endured a difficult first season in the role following the passing of coach Phil Walsh.

Teammate Rory Sloane said strong leadership across the Club was crucial during the testing time.

“Going through that sort of adversity last year took not only the captain, but every senior member including coaches and staff to get everyone through,” Sloane told aflplayers.com.au.

“Tex (Walker) was able to delegate some responsibility to a lot of the other leaders.”

Walker slotted 45 goals in the 2016 home and away season to finish 12th in the Coleman Medal.

He also led the League in goal assists (27) as he guided his team to a Semi-Final for the second straight season.

The influential forward, who has played 129 games, kicked his 300th career goal on the weekend. He sits second in Adelaide’s all-time goalkicking (301) behind his childhood idol Tony Modra (440).

Sloane said Walker had a presence on and away from the football field.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen different stages where Tex has stood up in big games. His ability to lead in critical moments is one of his best attributes,” he said.

“When we’re in the locker room, Tex shows off his great character because he’s still one of the biggest larrikins around the footy club. It’s important to make sure guys are having a laugh.

“He also demands the best out of guys on game day and at training.

“I remember hearing stories about Jonathan Brown being really vocal and demanding of his teammates, and that’s what I think of Tex. He’s that big power forward who knows what he wants from every player, and he articulates that.”

Walker is the second Adelaide captain to receive the award following in the footsteps of two-time winner Mark Ricciuto (2005 and 2006).

“He’s so proud to be our skipper,” Sloane said.

“He’s definitely honoured to receive this award — he looks up to guys like Nick Riewoldt and all of the influential leaders of the game.”

All 18 club captains were automatically nominated for the award. The entire playing body was then asked to vote for the Best Captain. Players were unable to vote for their own captain.

Walker accepted the Best Captain award via video link as part of the AFL Players Association MVP Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

2016 BEST CAPTAIN VOTING
Taylor Walker (Adelaide) – 127 votes
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) – 111 votes
Callan Ward (GWS Giants) – 109 votes
Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) – 76 votes
Joel Selwood (Geelong) – 61 votes

PREVIOUS WINNERS
Michael Tuck (1986)
Stephen Kernahan (1987)
Ross Glendinning (1988)
Tony Shaw (1990)
Paul Roos (1992)
Stephen Kernahan (1994)
Wayne Carey (1995, 1998, 2000)
Paul Kelly (1999)
Michael Voss (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Mark Ricciuto (2005, 2006)
Jonathan Brown (2007, 2009)
Tom Harley (2008)
Brett Kirk (2010)
Chris Judd (2011)
Jobe Watson (2012)
Joel Selwood (2013
Luke Hodge (2014)
Bob Murphy (2015)