Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has explained why he competed in the ruck in the Crows’ final Marsh Community Series match on Friday.
The former captain competed in several ruck contests throughout the match against Gold Coast, including one centre bounce.
Speaking on Triple M’s Roo & Ditts, the 29-year-old said he “didn’t mind” playing the role.
“We had a little trial in playing a smaller forward line,” Walker said.
“It meant I was the second tallest (but) I only had to do one centre bounce.
“It was a bit daunting when they bounced the ball and it happened to fall my way… I’ve got big Zac Smith, 200cm running at me.
“All I could see was a big knee and shin guard coming at my chin.”
Despite the mismatch in size, Walker performed admirably, even bagging a goal from a throw-in ruck contest.
“Last time I played (in the ruck) was under 14s in a trial game,” Walker said.
“I had one bounce and the coach said ‘get the hell back forward’.”
Adelaide fell to the Suns by seven points at Noarlunga and will enter the premiership season without a pre-season victory.
Walker conceded it was a disappointing pair of results in the Marsh Community Series.
“You always want to win,” Walker said.
“But you learn things and try things… It was the first time as a group we played with our best 22 available.
“We trialled a few things and there were some good positives to take out of it.”
Adelaide will host Sydney at Adelaide Oval on March 21 in the Club’s opening match of the 2020 home and away season.
First bounce is at 4.05pm.
