Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has praised young defender Nick Murray for a breakout season in 2023.

The 22-year-old has played all but one game this season (due to concussion) and has been a staple of Matthew Nicks’ defensive unit. 

“(Nick Murray’s) not gonna die wondering,” Walker told Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Breakfast this morning. 

“He works super super hard and a good country boy comes in and he’s taken his opportunity.

“He’s a ripping fella. (He’s) super strong and doesn’t leave anything out there.

“Our group of kids are the reason why we are playing some really good footy.” 

The Crows were challenged throughout the Round 11 clash against Brisbane, as the Lions pumped the ball inside forward 50 on 66 occasions. 

Walker said the ability to withstand that pressure showed the “steely resolve” the team possesses. 

“It was a very pleasing win,” Walker said. 

“I thought the best thing about it was that Brisbane came at us, and we responded. That was the most pleasing thing for our young group. 

“Being able to have a bit of steely resolve and win the game of footy, that was nice.”

Adelaide will look to make it back-to-back wins this Saturday night as it travels to Darwin to face Gold Coast, a challenge Walker admitted would be a tough one.

“Well that (winning the game) is the plan,” Walker said. 

“We haven’t won on the road that often in the last 13-14 games, so the plan is to stop that trend and get a win on the road. 

“It’s a super important game for our footy club going into the bye in two weeks.”

Adelaide faces Gold Coast on Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7pm ACST.