Veteran Adelaide forward Taylor Walker says the decision for him to travel to Perth and not play against the Dockers proved beneficial for a number of reasons.
The Friday night clash against Fremantle capped an emotional week for the 36-year-old, who announced he would be retiring from AFL football at the end of the season.
Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide, Walker explained the rationale behind the decision and its benefit to both himself and the team.
“The plan was always not to play the Perth game, I get the noise around me going to Perth, but Nicksy and I had a great conversation around me staying around the group,” Walker said.
“Obviously after the week I’d had with the retirement and stuff, it was quite emotional, and I was just keen to get away and get out of Adelaide to take a deep breath and just be around the boys.
“That was the main reason for it, and it’s interesting because most people say ‘oh he shouldn’t have travelled’, well when there is a four-day break most of the AFL get on a plane and get away, so what’s the difference.
“It was a non-issue for me and it was good to see the boys play some good footy. I thought they were outstanding, obviously we didn’t get the result but it was back to the way we wanted to play.”
Walker is in line to return for this Saturday night’s clash against Greater Western Sydney, in what will be his final home and away game in front of the Crows fans.
Dashing defender Wayne Milera and Vice Captain Alex Neal-Bullen could join Walker as inclusions this weekend, with the Crows aiming to have their strongest team on the park in the lead-up to the finals series.
“Junior is super important for us and how we move the ball, but what gets lost sometimes is how good he is at defence,” Walker said.
“He never gets beaten, Junior, so we’re really pumped to have him back along with Nibbler (Alex Neal-Bullen) and myself as well.
“We’re in a position to have our best crack at the Giants this weekend, we’ll have a good side on the field, but that means nothing if we aren’t able to play the way we want to play.”
A good news story to come out of West Lakes early in the week was the re-signing of emerging key defender James Borlase for another three seasons.
Walker said it was a thrill to see Borlase rewarded for his strong form, and even mentioned his father, Port Adelaide legend Darryl Borlase, was slowly being converted to a Crows fan.
“I think we’re finally getting big Daz (Darryl Borlase) over the line to be a Crows supporter,” Walker said.
“He’s a ripper, Boz, the boys absolutely love him and to see his development and growth over the past two years has been unbelievable to watch.
“He’s playing on the best key forwards each week and just lapping it up, he’s doing a great job for us and it’s a great reward for his hard work.”
Adelaide takes on GWS at Adelaide Oval this Saturday night, with the match to begin at 7.40pm (ACST).
Get your tickets here.
