Walker led the AFL goalkicking prior to receiving a two-match ban for a dangerous tackle in round eight, and was still in serious contention for the award when he was suspended for another heavy tackle on Richmond defender Steven Morris in round 14.
The Crows leading goalkicker, who has bagged 37 goals in 11 games this season, has drifted to equal-eighth in the overall standings, 14 behind reigning Coleman Medallist, Lance Franklin.
However, Walker isn’t fazed about losing his grip on the individual honour, saying he’s matured in his thinking when it comes to goalkicking.
“I didn’t think about that (the Coleman Medal) at all when I got rubbed out,” Walker told afc.com.au.
“I’ve changed my thought patterns on kicking goals. If I do the other little things, like tackling and chasing I’ll be rewarded with goals. I try not to think about kicking goals too much.”
Hear more from Tex in 'Fans on One' on afc.com.au Thursday
Walker will return to the Crows team to take on Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday, but he won’t have the support of fellow key forward Kurt Tippett, who has been ruled out with concussion.
“Tippo and I have a really good relationship but we’ve also got guys like Jason Porplyzia, Ricky Henderson, Jared Petrenko, Ian Callinan and Matt Wright, who can go through the forward line. That even spread makes our forward line very dangerous,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday. It’s been a long three weeks and I can’t wait to get back out there and pull the Crows guernsey back on.”
Walker has adhered to a tough training regime over the past three weeks in a bid to assist him in staying match fit during his enforced layoff. The 22-year-old, who spends a lot of time looking at vision to try to improve his game, also took the opportunity to go to Melbourne to watch opposition forwards, including Tom Hawkins and Stewart Crameri play live in the match between Geelong and Essendon at the MCG last weekend.
Tackling has also been on his agenda. Coach Brenton Sanderson said the skilful forward was working on controlling his aggression.
“We do love Taylor’s aggression and one of the real highlights of his form this season has been how aggressive he is in every contest,” Sanderson said.
“But when you marry that up with a technique that’s not perfect, you’re in a little bit of trouble. We’ve worked a little bit on that, controlling his aggression but also trying to ensure his technique is perfect.
“You’ve got to make sure you still play on the edge and play aggressively. We’re an aggressive side and we play contested ball. We’re all walking the line a little bit, but Taylor’s best for us when he’s out there playing, so he’s just got to adjust his technique, control his aggression and use it in the right way within the rules.
“I love the way he’s playing and it’s going to be great to have him back. I’m looking forward to seeing Tex play because he’s jumping out of his skin. He feels like he wants to get back out there and start playing good footy again because he was in good form before he got suspended.
“Tex will straighten us up this week and give us a focal point. I think he was leading the Coleman Medal before he was suspended … so hopefully, he comes in and kicks a few bags before the season is out.”
