Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker has backed first-year teammate Sid Draper to reap the long-term benefits from his current stint in the SANFL side.
The 19-year-old has featured in nine State League games so far this season, where he has averaged 21.6 disposals and 4.1 clearances per game, and starred in the Crows’ most recent win against West Adelaide with 32 disposals and a goal.
He has also had a taste of AFL football in his first year, playing nine matches in the first half of the season.
Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide Breakfast, Walker said the talented South Australian was on a positive path in his development.
“He’s in good form in the SANFL, and we want him to continue his really good form and grow in confidence,” Walker said.
“Being a midfielder is the toughest position for a young kid to come in and play, so he’s just continuing to learn his craft and improve every single week.
“He’s had a good look at it, and once he’s in really, really good form he’ll get his opportunity again.”
Walker and his Crows teammates continued their excellent form at AFL level last weekend, as they produced a clinical 61-point win against Gold Coast.
He said having an even spread of contributors was the key catalyst behind the strong performance.
“We were really pleased with the way we played, we played some really good footy throughout the game, and I thought Gold Coast also played some good footy throughout the game as well,” Walker said.
“They are a class act and have some amazing young talent, so to be able to come away with a win like that, we were super pleased.
“The beauty for us was we just had 23 guys lift the load and play their role, so it makes footy very easy when you’ve got every single player doing what they need to do and playing their part.
“There is huge belief within the group, and the way we are going about it.”
Another shining light from the victory was the performance of the backline, which kept a talented Suns attack to just six goals from 52 entries.
The effort against Gold Coast was a continuation of the group’s outstanding 2025 campaign, which has resulted in Adelaide being ranked second in the competition for points allowed.
“If you look at our backline just as a whole, the beauty of what they are doing is they are supporting each other so well, with every player bringing something different,” Walker said.
“It’s not just the boys in the AFL side either, we’ve got so many guys in the SANFL playing great footy down back as well, our depth in that area of the field at the moment is incredible.
“Hombschy (Jack Hombsch) is leading that group really well, and it is awesome to see them play such great footy.”
Adelaide will be looking to make it five straight wins this weekend as it prepares to face cross-town rival Port Adelaide in Showdown 58.
Walker expected a tough battle against the old foe, with ladder positions irrelevant to how the match would shake out.
“I’m looking forward to it, it doesn't matter if you are first, second, 15th, 18th, it’s always good fun,” Walker said.
“Being Kenny (Ken Hinkley’s) last one, we know they will be amped up and ready to go, so I’m looking forward to a great contest on Saturday night.”
Adelaide faces Port Adelaide in Showdown 58 this Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7.40pm (ACST).
