Adelaide great Taylor Walker gave fans an insight into his feelings after playing his final game of AFL in a post-match interview with Channel 7 on Saturday night.

Walker’s illustrious 19-year career came to a close when the Crows fell to Brisbane in their Semi-Final at The Gabba, with the 36-year-old announcing last month he would hang up his boots once Adelaide’s campaign ended.

Speaking after the siren sounded and as he walked towards his family, Walker admitted the reality of his decorated AFL career coming to an end was starting to hit home.

But he said he felt nothing but gratitude for the career he had built from humble beginnings in Broken Hill.

“(I am) pretty emotional,” Walker said.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more, I’m very appreciative of the career I’ve had, I’ve done it for 19 years.

“I remember the time the footy Club rang me and said they’re going to take me, I was at the Broken Hill airport with my nan, and now it’s all done.

“I’ve lived out a career for almost 20 years, as a little kid from Broken Hill, and hopefully I can pave the way for all the young kids from Broken Hill. If you have a dream, just go and chase it because you just never know.”

Walker’s career was one of the most significant in the Club’s history, having played 319 games, kicked 714 goals, and captained the Club from 2015-2019.

Against the Lions, the forward booted two goals in the final term, and he revealed a Brisbane veteran’s post-match gesture to deliver the match ball to him.

“What a kind gesture by Dayne Zorko to go and get (the match ball) and give it to me,” Walker said.

“What a bloke.”

Adelaide’s Semi-Final loss came after Brisbane’s blistering five-goal start, which had the Crows chasing their tales for the entirety of the match.

Coach Matthew Nicks’ three-quarter time address was an emotional one, as he pointed to Walker in the huddle.

The veteran opened up on how he felt at that moment.

“It wasn’t our night, but we’ve just improved out of sight,” Walker said.

“Brisbane is the team to beat, I think, they’re unbelievable, they’ve just got talent across the board.

“It got me a bit emotional. As we know, it takes 23 blokes to get it done, and unfortunately tonight we found out where our weaknesses are and how good of a side Brisbane is.

“I’m upset but I am also very happy that I’ve been able to do it for such a long period of time. I am very grateful.”