Crows Senior Coach Matthew Nicks has revealed the secret to forward Taylor Walker’s stunning form in Saturday’s 12-point win over Geelong. 

An inspiring Walker booted five goals, also collecting 18 disposals and seven marks. 

The 30-year-old was under some public pressure last year over his performance, but Nicks said it wasn’t Walker that had changed. 

“If I’m being honest, the difference is not Tex,” Nicks told reporters after the game. 

“Tex is in the same position as he was last year: worked super hard, trained the house down.

“But Tex has made his teammates better.

“Now his teammates give him better delivery, they bring the ball in more often - and he’s a competitor.”

The Crows’ off-season efforts were well-documented heading into Round One, with COVID-19 border restrictions meaning many of the boys stayed in Adelaide and trained over the break. 

Nicks said Walker helped drive the younger players’ efforts. 

“He’s worked these guys, showed them the standard over the break and said, ‘This is the level you train at, are you coming with us or not coming with us'.”

Walker wasn’t the only multiple goal kicker on Saturday, with Ned McHenry snagging the first two goals of his AFL career while Billy Frampton also kicked two majors. 

Mature-age recruit James Rowe also made his mark, booting two goals in his maiden AFL game.