The Tex reflex
Crows coach Brenton Sanderson admits even he gets excited when Taylor Walker goes about his business
ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson admits even he gets excited when he's watching Crows key forward Taylor Walker, whose marking and selflessness were a large factor in the Crows' 69-point victory over Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.
Walker took 16 marks predominantly against James Frawley, who was an All Australian defender in 2010.
Walker had 25 disposals. Midfielder Scott Thompson, with 29, was the only Adelaide player to have more disposals than him.
The 22-year-old kicked 4.2 and had four scoring assists.
"He's still a kid, he's still learning so many things about the game," Sanderson said. "But gee he's exciting.
"Every time he's near the ball you hold your breath because you know anything can happen."
Sanderson said Walker had had "a fantastic year — and he's in good form at the right time of year".
Small forward Jared Petrenko, who has the role of crumbing the ball at Walker's feet, praised the big forward's aggression and willingness to compete.
He also noted Walker's brilliance.
"Some of the things he pulls out, I don't know where they come from," he said.
Melbourne coach Mark Neeld praised Walker and his fellow key forward Kurt Tippett, who took 11 marks and kicked three goals during their demolition of the Demons.
"Unfortunately for us, Walker and Tippett were not playing for us, they were playing against us," Neeld said.
"We struggled a little bit when it got in there."
Walker's four goals took him to 53 for the season, seven behind Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich.
Last season he was the Crows' leading goal scorer with 32.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL