Taylor Walker admits it was tough seeing Graham Johncock retire, saying the popular Crow is “like a brother” to him.

Johncock, who has battled with injuries this season, announced his retirement from AFL football on Monday. The skilful 30-year-old broke the news to his teammates in the morning and Walker said it was a sad moment.

“Stiffy is a legend. I love him to death. Bernie and I live together and we have this really good bond with him. It feels like he’s one of our brothers; he calls Bernie and I his brothers,” Walker told the Triple M Rush Hour on Monday night.

“It was a really sad day for the Adelaide Football Club. He’s a great fella and one of those blokes you love running out onto the field with. It’s a tough decision for him, but he’s had a great career and he’ll look back and cherish what he’s achieved.”

Johncock, whose retirement is effective immediately, will farewell fans with a lap of honour at Adelaide’s last home-and-away game at AAMI Stadium, against Melbourne (and former coach Neil Craig) in Round 22.

“It would’ve been nice to Stiffy him play another game, but unfortunately he didn’t want to,” Walker said.

“It’s been hard for him. He had a bit of knee tendonitis and his back just keeps flaring up. It’s come to an end because his body won’t do what he wants it to.”

Walker was one of a long line of players to offer Johncock well wishes on Monday. ‘Johncock’ was trending in Australia by lunchtime.

Here are a few of the tweets