Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker says hard work is the key to Rising Star nominee Riley Thilthorpe’s impressive talent. 

After a disappointing start on Saturday against St Kilda, the Crows booted the last seven goals of the game to clutch the win in the dying minutes. 

The result was secured by Adelaide’s No. 2 draft pick Riley Thilthorpe, who kicked a miraculous over-the-head major off his left with just 90 seconds on the clock. 

The 18-year-old finished the game with 16 touches, two marks and three goals, earning the Round 13 AFL Rising Star nomination.

Walker told Triple M’s Roo & Ditts while there was no doubt Thilthorpe was a natural star, a workhorse attitude was behind his success. 

“(Thilthorpe) is a super, super talent but his foundation of hard work is why he plays such good footy,” Walker said. 

“It’s very impressive to be alongside him and watch him go to work.”

Walker said the Crows’ come-from-behind win was a testament to the young side’s fight and never-give-up mentality. 

“There were a few stern words (at half time), which were probably to be expected… but I thought (the game) was great,” he said. 

“It just shows a lot of character with our young group.

“As I’ve said all year, we continue to grow… the boys were just outstanding by the end of the game.”