Taylor Walker will captain the Adelaide Football Club in Season 2015.

Walker, 24, is the Club’s seventh skipper, and joins an illustrious list featuring Chris McDermott, Tony McGuinness, Mark Bickley, Mark Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin and Nathan van Berlo.

The two-time Crows leading goalkicker recently signed a contract extension tying him to the Club until at least the end of 2018. Recruited through the NSW Scholarship Program, Walker has played 84 games since making his AFL debut in Round One, 2009. He’s kicked 197 goals – ranked seventh all-time at Adelaide and was presented with the 2014 Best Team Man award. Walker is the first forward to captain the Crows.

Senior Coach Phil Walsh selected the captain from the Club’s six-man senior leadership group, which was elected by the players prior to Christmas. His recommendation was then presented to the Board for approval.

Walsh said the Club was blessed to have several outstanding leaders, adding that Walker possessed natural leadership attributes, which made him the ideal candidate for the captaincy.

“Taylor is a quality young man and footballer,” Walsh said.

“I have said before that he thinks not what is best for himself, but what is best for the team.

“When he speaks or acts, others listen and follow suit, which is a special quality.”

Walker, affectionately known as ‘Tex’, said he was excited and humbled by the prospect of leading the Club he grew up supporting.

“I am honoured to be given this opportunity and like everyone at our Club, want to build on the hard working culture and approach,” he said.

“There are many people I must thank for guiding me along the way, among them Nathan van Berlo and Simon Goodwin who are outstanding leaders.”

van Berlo, who captained the Club in 68 games across four seasons, will continue to play an important role in the senior leadership group.

“I love the Club and in particular the playing group, and am excited about being part of this new era,” van Berlo said.

“Tex has always been an influential member of our playing group and I look forward to working with him and the other leaders.”