Veteran Adelaide forward Taylor Walker spoke to the media alongside Port Adelaide Vice Captain Zak Butters ahead of Showdown 60 this Saturday night. 

Here is what the Club’s all-time leading goalkicker had to say ahead of the blockbuster clash. 

What Showdown’s mean to Walker 

Walker will suit up for his 27th Showdown this Saturday night, with the 36-year-old certainly not taking the opportunity to feature in the marquee rivalry for granted. 

“I don't know (if this will be my last Showdown), I'll treat it like it will be,” Walker said. 

“I'm just very grateful to be able to not only just play this game for so long, but be able to play in these games. I'll never ever take it for granted what the Showdowns means, and how it brings this state to life.

“There's lots of bets going on, people are very emotionally attached to the showdown, so it gives bragging rights, and I think that the rivalry is still alive and kicking well and truly.

“Reflecting on these games, it gives you a sense of gratitude, I don't take it for granted that I'm able to do this for such a long period of time, it's pretty special.”

Playing on edge

Ahead of last week’s clash against the Demons, Crows Senior Coach Matthew Nicks said he felt Walker played his best footy when he was “on edge.”

Walker said he agreed with his coaches’ thoughts and spoke about selection pressure within the group. 

“I suppose it doesn't matter how you feel going into a game, or sort of what happens from Monday to Friday, you've got to find a way to be able to perform, and yeah, sometimes it might be on when I’m on edge,” Walker said. 

“Sometimes it might be I'm a little bit calmer, but yeah, you just have to be able to get yourself to a position to be able to perform on game day. 

“I think it's a good position to be in as a footy club that Nicksy, well, he doesn't have hair, but he's pulling it out at the moment to try and pick a side,” Walker said. 

We've got pressure on spots, which then creates internal competition, so then it brings out the best in each individual to get a great team success.”

Reflecting on Modra’s influence

The Adelaide Football Club wrapped its arms around the Modra family late last week, after legendary goalkicker Tony was involved in a road accident. 

Walker spoke about Modra’s impact on the game in South Australia and how he had helped him in his own game. 

“I haven't (contacted him directly) but I've been keeping in contact with a few people close to him,” Walker said. 

“He's a lucky boy, and we're just grateful that we've got one of the greatest to ever do it, still here. 

“I thought I realised how big Mods was, but I didn't realise how big he was until what occurred last week, and he's a beautiful man, and I've had a great relationship with Mods. 

“As football fans, whether it be Port or Crows or the AFL fraternity, we're just very grateful to be able to watch and have lots of memories of what he used to do on the footage of his.”

Keeping himself fresh

An interrupted middle part of the season has Walker feeling fresh as the final eight weeks of the season approaches. 

The 36-year-old has played just two full AFL games since Round Eight due to injury and suspension, with the extended breaks having a positive effect on his body. 

“I've had to have some planned rest (in the past) but obviously, the suspension and my hamstrings has given me a bit more time off of late.

“So I actually feel the best I've felt for a long time, I’m just going to keep having the body and the mind healthy, which are the most important things.

“We'll just keep chipping away at each game and continue to enjoy playing our great game.”

What to expect from the Power

Coming off three straight wins, Adelaide will carry the tag favourites into Showdown 60 as it faces a Power side that sits 15th on the ladder. 

However, Walker was wary of what the Power could produce this Saturday night and was impressed by their form despite their win-loss record. 

“I’m very impressed (by how they're going), and have a lot of respect for Josh (Carr) and obviously Zak (Butters), standing in as captain, and what they've been able to do,” Walker said.

“Their record obviously hasn't been going the way they want in terms of win-loss, but they've had five or six losses under a kick, so we are fully aware that we're gonna have to bring our A-game on Saturday night.”

A shout-out for Variety

South Australian children’s charity Variety has partnered with both Clubs for the Showdown since 2018, and had naming rights to the “Variety Showdown Shield” since 2021. 

Walker spoke glowingly about the charity and the work they do in South Australia. 

“We probably wouldn't be standing here without the support of Variety through the Open Parachute program. 

“They give an opportunity for 4000 kids to be a part of the program, which is great. 

“So, it's great we can play in the Showdown, but also play in the Variety Showdown. So we're very, very lucky.”

Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide in Showdown 60 at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, with the match to begin at 7.05pm.

Showdown 60 is a Port Adelaide home match, meaning Crows Memberships will not give fans access to the game.