Adelaide all-time leading goalkicker and Club great Taylor Walker announced on Monday he would be calling time on his illustrious AFL career at the end of this season.
Walker, has to this point played 316 games and kicked more than 700 goals across a 19-season career.
The 36-year-old spoke to the media following his retirement announcement, reflecting on almost two decades at the Crows, what the Club and his teammates - both past and present - have meant to him, his admiration for his family, plans for life after footy, and more.
How a sleepless night sealed Walker’s decision
The veteran forward had long contemplated when the right time would come to call time on his decorated career, but it was only last week that he reached a definitive decision.
After discussions with senior Club figures and those closest to him, Walker gained the clarity he had been searching for.
He said a sleepless night earlier last week ultimately confirmed his belief that the end of the season was the right moment to step away from the game.
“What was it? 3 a.m. Tuesday night, Wednesday morning when I couldn't sleep,” Walker said.
“The closer I've got to the end, it's probably become a little bit more evident that it might be this year, but I've sort of treated it like my last year for the past six years.
“The three of us (Walker, Coach Matthew Nicks and CEO Tim Silvers) had a great chat at the start of this week, and probably after I've had those discussions, not just with the club, but the people that I trust and respect around me, I knew it was the right time for me and the football Club, that I retire at the end of the year.
“It was probably the hardest one of my life. I grew up barracking for the Adelaide Footy Club, it was my dream. I had Crows posters all through my room as a little kid. I said to the playing group before, I've had three loves in my life - it’s my family, my friends, and footy. That's all I've known.
“So it was incredibly hard to come to that decision, but I sit here a little bit relieved, happy, excited, and with mixed emotions.”
Tex on telling his teammates
Having been around for almost two decades, Walker has sat through countless retirement speeches, as former teammates told the playing group of their decision to finish their careers.
Walker said telling his teammates of his plan to retire at the end of the season was harder than he expected.
“Well, I thought I would have got through more than the first sentence before I started tearing up, but that wasn't the case,” Walker said.
“I play a team sport, and I wouldn't be the player I am if it wasn't for all the teammates that I played with, (and) the coaches that have instilled belief in me.
“It's pretty difficult, but (feeling) a bit relieved that I've been able to do that. Football has given me so much, but more than anything, it's given me people.
“I'm incredibly grateful for every teammate I've played alongside, every coach who's invested in me, every staff member who has helped me along the way, and everyone behind the scenes who makes this club what it is.”
The legacy Walker hopes to leave
Across 19 seasons in the AFL, Walker has become one of Adelaide's most respected figures, admired as much for his leadership as his performances on the field.
As he prepares to close the chapter on a decorated career, the Crows veteran hopes to be remembered for more than just his football achievements.
“My parents have instilled hard work in me. I've always never really shied away from what hard work is,” Walker said.
“I've found a really great balance of football and family, which Nicksy is massive on.
“I play in a team environment, where if I don't have teammates around me, then I'm not the person I am, so if you invest in others, you'll reap the rewards back the other way.
“There's many things that I feel like I might be able to leave. Life is hard, it's challenging.
“Things happen in life that you can't control, and don't take it too seriously. Have fun along the way, and because it's so short.”
An emotional tribute to wife Ellie, and children Hugo, Louis and Harriet
While football has been at the centre of Walker's life for nearly two decades, family remains his greatest love.
The Adelaide champion became visibly emotional as he reflected on the support of his wife, Ellie, and their children Hugo, Louis and Harriet.
He described them as his biggest supporters and the greatest gift in his life.
“Then there's my wife, Ellie. You came into my life when I didn't realise how much I needed you. You became my best friend, my biggest supporter and my greatest teammate, and eventually my wife,” Walker said.
“Through it all, you've never stopped believing in me, and thank you for loving me through every version of myself.
“To my beautiful kids, you are my greatest adventure. I've always thought the job of a parent was to teach you all the right values, but in fact, you three have taught me more than you ever know.
“Mum and I can't wait for you to chase your dreams with us, just like I have done for the last 20 years. You are always and will be the greatest gift, and I love you to the moon and back a million times over.”
The people behind the player
Walker used his retirement announcement to pay tribute to the family and friends who have supported him every step of the way.
The Adelaide veteran credited his parents for instilling the values that shaped both his career and life beyond football, while also acknowledging the unwavering support of his siblings, extended family and close mates.
“To my mum and dad, thank you for giving me every opportunity, for teaching me that hard work costs nothing, that manners are free, and that being a good person matters more than being a good footballer,” Walker said.
“Dad, I'm going to miss the pre-game messages of advice on how to attack the game and what you believe I need to do to beat my opponent.
“Mum, I'll miss the messages post-game that say ‘good game, mate’ when we win, and ‘bummer’ three angry faces when we lose. I want to express how grateful I am to you, Mum, especially for the childhood you gave me, and my brother and sister, and the values that you instilled in me that I sit here today with, and know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that.”
He also paid tribute to his siblings, in-laws and friends.
“To my brother and sister, Ayrton and Aisha, thank you for always being in my corner and showing love. My brother, especially. You're the guy that I've always spoken to when I've needed guidance or advice. You're the person I looked up to every single day as a little kid, and have wanted to be like since I was smashing in the backyard in Broken Hill.
“To my mother and father from Adelaide, that's Ellie's mum and dad, Rob and Vicky. Thank you for raising the most beautiful girl in this world for me to marry, and thank you for adoring my kids. Thank you for accepting me into your family, as well, and we still miss RB every single day.
“To my mates, thank you for keeping me grounded and reminding me that football is only a part of who I am. I couldn't ask for better mates that haven’t just been behind me over this journey, but right beside me.”
A heartfelt thank you to the Members and fans
Walker quickly became a fan favourite from the moment he walked through the doors at West Lakes.
And in his retirement speech, the forward paid tribute to the love the fans had shown him throughout the journey.
“To our supporters, thank you,” Walker said.
“You shared every high and every low with me over the past 19 years.
“Your passion, loyalty, and belief in this footy Club is something I've never taken for granted, and it has been an absolute privilege to wear this jumper in front of you.
“I walk away with gratitude. I'm proud of what we've shared together over the last 19 years, and while my playing career is coming to an end, I'll always be grateful that the kid from Broken Hill got the chance to live out a dream as a Crow.”
Click here to send a message to Walker, following his retirement announcement.
