Adelaide co-captain Taylor Walker has lept to the defence of Port Adelaide ruckman Scott Lycett following the Power’s game against Collingwood.

Triple M’s Roo and Ditts’ Chris Dittmar said Lycett started slow against Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy while Mark Ricciuto questioned if he was carrying an injury.

But Walker was quick to defend Lycett and said the former West Coast big man has starred since joining Port Adelaide.

“Jeez we’re quick to jump,” Walker said.

“He’s had seven good games, then one average one and we’re just into him.

“Why don’t we talk about the seven good games he’s played?

“Let’s just balance out what he’s doing for you.”

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The Crows will face the Power this Saturday in the Variety Showdown Shield, the 46th meeting between the two clubs.

Following contention surrounding the holding the ball rule, Walker revealed he spoke with an umpire for clarification before the St Kilda game in Round Six.

“I deliberately asked one of the umpires what they’ve been told to pay regarding holding the ball,” Walker said.

“He said there’s two things, whether you’ve had prior opportunity and whether you dispose the ball properly.

“He said they have not been made an agenda.”

Free kick numbers have dropped off since the opening round, from an average of 41 per game to 31 in Round Seven.