Taylor Walker is a lightning rod for criticism and remains one of the most polarising figures in the game, but more performances like Saturday's should sway the doubters.

West Coast shot 27 points clear of Walker's Adelaide almost 24 minutes into the third term of a dour battle at Adelaide Oval, only for the under-fire Crows to rise to the occasion on their captain's back.

Another Adelaide home loss would have as good as stamped its 2018 papers. What came next could be the making of the Don Pyke-coached team's troubled campaign.

Walker went on to amass nine disposals, five marks, five score involvements and kick 3.2 from the point the Eagles achieved their game-high lead.

His Crows earned a 12.16 (88) to 12.6 (78) triumph to close to within one win of the top eight ahead of a tricky run home.