Craig came under mounting pressure to unveil Walker late last season as the Norwood teenager kicked his way into the League’s top-five goalkickers.
But Craig resisted the urge, citing a lack of football maturity and consistency on Walker’s behalf.
The laconic forward impressed in his second pre-season at West Lakes and was rewarded with a round one debut against Collingwood at the MCG.
Now Walker says he’s ready to become a regular contributor.
“Last year my form in the SANFL was a bit inconsistent, so one goal I’ve set is to play consistent football and hopefully get a regular game with Adelaide,” Walker said on Monday.
“Craigy made the decision (not to play me) last year and I stick by that. I would have liked to play but (in hindsight) it’s helped me a lot in my development.
“I’m just glad I could play a few NAB Cup games this year and then play in round one.”
Walker has been touted as Adelaide’s next big thing since booting 14 goals in two finals for North Broken Hill, while he was still a NSW Scholarship holder with the club.
He enhanced his reputation as big-time player with seven goals in Norwood’s elimination final win over Port Adelaide. But the laidback 18-year-old said he hadn’t bought into all the hype.
“People speak to you about the hype, but at the end of the day I’m just here to play football and do the best that I can. I don’t really worry about what other people say,” Walker said.
On Saturday, Walker joined fellow second-year star Patrick Dangerfield in the illustrious group of players to score a goal with their first kick in AFL footy. And he did it in style from a difficult angle in the left-hand pocket of the MCG.
“I was pretty happy with my first kick. I got the ball and had a look inside, but there was nothing on, so I went back, settled and had just had a shot on goal,” he said.
“I’m pretty confident when I go back and have a shot.”
Walker’s parents were on hand to see their son fulfil a dream of playing AFL for the club he supported as a child. His brother was also in the stands of the MCG but his sister stayed home to look after the family business.
“They were pretty overwhelmed to come down and watch me play,” Walker said.
