James Podsiadly has welcomed the selection pressure ahead of Taylor Walker's impending AFL return.

Podsiadly has been an integral part of the Crows forward line since switching from Geelong at the end of last season. The Cats premiership player showed his class and experience against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, monstering the inexperienced Dogs defence.

Podsiadly kicked three goals from 12 possessions. He took six marks, including four contested and a timely grab in defence in the dying stages. He also worked hard to lock the ball inside Adelaide's forward 50m, laying five tackles.

A modest Podsiadly said it was just his turn to fire.

“As a forward you've just got to continue to play your role. Sometimes you're going to be the guy who kicks the goals. Sometimes you give them off and other times you won't get near it. I was lucky enough to kick a couple today,” Podsiadly said after the game.

“Josh Jenkins kicked a few (three) and Eddie (two) and Lynchy (two) had a couple each too, so we shared it around today. I think it's a sign of a good team not to rely on one or two guys.”

Walker made a successful return from a 12-month knee injury in the SANFL on Friday night.

The 24-year-old was impressive, kicking 3.3 and showing complete confidence in his rebuilt knee.

Coach Brenton Sanderson said the Crows would have a selection dilemma when Walker returned - possibly as early as this week-, debating whether it was possible to play three tall forwards in the same attack

Podsiadly said he was hoping to play alongside the two-time leading goalkicker in the coming weeks.

“Before I came to the club, I rated Taylor Walker as one of the best two or three forwards in the competition. For me to play alongside him, hopefully, will be a bit of buzz,” he said.

“His energy is great for the group. To get him back in the team, whether it's next week or the week after, is very exciting. He was fantastic on Friday night. His rehab has been something to hang his hat on.

“I'm happy I'm not on match committee and picking the team. One thing we did say at the start of the year was that we wanted to give the coaches some selection headaches because that's what good sides do.

“We've still got Taylor Walker, Brad Crouch, Andy Otten, Nathan van Berlo and Ricky Henderson to come back into the side, so its good we're getting a few guys back now.”

The Crows overcame a sluggish start against the Bulldogs to grind out a nine-point win.

It wasn't pretty, but Podsiadly said it was important his team was able to win in that manner.

“As a group with where we're at, we've got to learn how to win ugly sometimes. In big games, and the Bulldogs are a contested side, you don't get your game going sometimes,” he said.

“Grinding out a win is a sign of good character and we showed that today.”

The win was Adelaide's second on the road in three weeks.

It was also the Club's first win over the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne in seven years and first at Etihad since 2002. The victory squares the Crows' win-loss ledger at three wins and three losses.

“Road wins are great,” Podsiadly said.

“I said to the guys at half time, as you get older in football you remember those wins because you go to the airport as a team and spend the next few hours together. It's just a better feeling. There's nothing worse than after you lose and having to sit around on a plane.

“They're important for the season but also from a micro-perspective.”