Taylor Walker’s standing at the Adelaide Football Club has been recognised with the Best Team Man Award at the Crows Club Champion presentation.

Walker, 24, made a successful return from a serious knee injury this season. The two-time Crows leading goalkicker made his long-awaited comeback against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval in Round Nine and played the next 14 games in succession.

Walker kicked 34 goals from 15 matches, including a season-high six against the Brisbane Lions in Round 20, to finish third in Adelaide’s goalkicking. He kicked multiple goals in 11 games.

The imposing forward averaged a career-high 14.7 disposals and 1.7 score assists – ranked fourth in the AFL. He was also third at Adelaide in contested marks (23).

Walker’s influence on the playing group was reflected in his elevation to the senior leadership group ahead of the 2014 season, despite having spent nearly 12 months on the sidelines.

His presence on the field is immeasurable, with teammate Patrick Dangerfield going as far as to say, “Tex makes people walk a bit taller when he's around.”

Recruited through the NSW Scholarship program, Walker has played 84 career games.