Taylor Walker has been recognised for his outstanding leadership in his first season as Crows skipper, placing third in the AFLPA’s Best Captain Award.

Walker earned 94 votes to finish third behind winner Robert Murphy of the Western Bulldogs (226) and Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge (144).

Former Crows captain Mark Ricciuto remains Adelaide’s only winner of the award, claiming the honour twice in 2005 and 2006.

Walker has been resolute through difficult circumstances off the field at West Lakes, but his form on game day has been just as strong.

The 25-year-old forward, who celebrated his 100th game in Round 18, booted 55 goals in the home and away season to finish fourth in the Coleman Medal. He ranked equal-third in the AFL for total marks (165) and was the competition leader for marks on the lead (71). ‘Tex’ was also top-three at the Club in contested marks, inside 50ms and goal assists.

Walker’s leadership was on display during the Club’s clutch Elimination Final win over the Western Bulldogs. He kicked three goals and helped set up several others, including Charlie Cameron’s match-winner in the dying moments.

Several other Crows were also recognised at Tuesday night’s AFLPA MVP event in Melbourne.

Patrick Dangerfield was voted third in the main award, won for the second consecutive season by Fremantle star Nat Fyfe.

Jake Lever and Rory Laird both made the 22Under22 team which acknowledges the best young talent in the competition.

Laird was also among the nominees for the Robert Rose Award as Adelaide’s most courageous player.

All awards at the AFLPA’s MVP event are determined exclusively by player votes.

 

2015 AFLPA Best Captain
1. Bob Murphy (226)
2. Luke Hodge (144)
3. Taylor Walker (94)
4. Shannon Hurn (42)
5. Nick Riewoldt (37)

Previous Winners
Michael Tuck (1986)
Stephen Kernahan (1987)
Ross Glendenning (1988)
Tony Shaw (1990)
Paul Roos (1992)
Stephen Kernahan (1994)
Wayne Carey (1995, 1998, 2000)
Paul Kelly (1999)
Michael Voss (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Mark Ricciuto (2005, 2006)
Jonathan Brown (2007, 2009)
Tom Harley (2008)
Brett Kirk (2010)
Chris Judd (2011)
Jobe Watson (2012)
Joel Selwood (2013
Luke Hodge (2014)