Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker says he was overcome with emotion, following his last home and away game at Adelaide Oval in front of the Crows faithful.
Walker was instrumental in Adelaide’s 56-point victory against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night, kicking six goals to help the Crows secure a top-six berth.
The match also marked the last time the 36-year-old would play a minor round game at Adelaide Oval after announcing he would retire at season’s end.
Speaking to former teammate and Triple M’s Bernie Vince post-game, Walker said he was grateful to be shown so much love by the crowd, his teammates, family and friends.
"I can't believe how many people came out tonight,” Walker said.
“I'm very grateful that I've been doing it for 19 years, and I get to walk out of this footy Club with no regrets.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity the footy Club has given me. I've got three beautiful kids, a beautiful wife and we just keep enjoying life, that's what it's about.”
Adelaide’s victory was built off the back of a strong first quarter, in which the team held the Giants to just 1.4.
The Crows’ win, coupled with Melbourne’s loss to the Western Bulldogs, lifted Adelaide out of wildcard contention and into sixth spot with an elimination final on the horizon.
Walker said the team wanted to finish off the home and away season strongly and put itself in the best position to contend for premiership glory.
“I thought we started the game really well,” Walker said.
"We did keep an eye on it (the Melbourne game), but then we had to sort of reset ourselves and get our mind on the job.
"The Bulldogs did us a nice job so we can have a week off, and we might be able to get a couple of boys back, which keeps us nice and fresh to be able to go into the final series with full steam."
The Crows will now have a week off before their elimination final at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, September 5.
Adelaide’s opponent will be the highest ranked team of the wildcard finals.
That could be either Melbourne, if the Demons defeat Carlton, or the winner of the Western Bulldogs v Collingwood wildcard clash, if the Blues come out on top.
Keep an eye on the Club’s finals hub here for all the up-to-date information ahead of the match.
