Taylor Walker says he is thrilled to be included in the Crows leadership group for the first time in his career.

The 23-year-old power forward has been working hard in his rehabilitation from reconstructive knee surgery, but has also developed his off-field leadership qualities during his time on the sidelines. 

“We’ve got a good bunch of boys, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Walker said after being named alongside Nathan van Berlo, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Sam Jacobs and Richard Douglas in the seven-man leadership group.

“You are included in groups like this because of your actions throughout the year. Hopefully, as leaders we can have an impact on the group and get us back to where we were a couple of years ago.

“It’s an exciting time for the Club.”

Walker said his horrific knee injury early in the 2013 season coupled with the Crows’ disappointing campaign made him more determined to assume a leadership role at the Club.  

“It was a pretty tough year for the boys on-field,” Walker said.

“I just wanted to get around the boys and show that I genuinely care. I want to help guys prepare and perform at their best when we need them.”

Tex said he is hungry to help drive the Crows back up the ladder under the strong direction of reappointed skipper Nathan van Berlo, and newly named vice-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane.

“We want to get back to playing consistent and competitive footy, and finals footy is where we should be,” he said.

“Over the past few years, Sloaney and Danger have showed what they can do both on and off the field. We’ve got a great group of leaders but also great people around those leaders, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what those boys can do.”

Patrick Dangerfield returned praise on the two-time Crows leading goalkicker, saying it was no surprise to see Walker included into the leadership group despite his recent injury battles.

“The influence ‘Tex’ has over our entire playing group can’t be underestimated - he’s come a long way since we were first drafted together six years ago,” Dangerfield said.

“Tex is incredibly influential with everything that he does. He has played an important role in setting the standards in terms of training, rehabilitation and staying part of the group without being out there on game day.”