Retiring Adelaide great Taylor Walker has sat down for an extended interview with Triple M Adelaide Breakfast crew Roo, Ditts and Loz days after his AFL career came to an end. 

The 36-year-old spoke candidly in his weekly radio spot, touching on the Semi-Final loss to Brisbane, the future of the Crows’ list, the emotions of retiring, his next steps and more. 

Dissecting the Semi-Final 

Walker admitted he “felt helpless” on the field in the early stages of Saturday night’s match, as the Lions piled on five goals in seven minutes. 

He said the reigning premiers were impressive in their ability to put the game away, and gave the Crows a reality check.

“I felt helpless in those first seven minutes, it was hard, if you think of a boxing fight we got punched in the mouth and some, they were unbelievable,” Walker said. 

“Credit to Brisbane, we weren’t able to get our hands on the footy and slow them down, so a disappointing way to start the game. 

“I thought we got our way back into it in the second term, but weren’t able to get anywhere near them in the second half, they’ve just got great players across all lines and honestly think it’s there’s to lose now, I can’t see any of the other three teams beating them. 

“They might prove me wrong, but what they did to us on Saturday night, it was a team with so much confidence and belief in what they do and we just got a reality check of where we’re at.”

The emotions of retiring

Three days after his 19-year AFL journey came to an end, Walker said the emotions of retiring had not yet fully sunk in. 

He said while it was sad his career was over, he was excited to the next chapter with his wife Ellie and three children Hugo, Louis and Hattie. 

“Definitely feeling mixed emotions at the moment, I am a bit numb and I’m not sure it’s fully sunk in yet,” Walker said.

“I’m excited for what’s next with Ellie and the kids and being able to do some travelling, the unknown of what am I going to do, is it a bit scary? 

“I’ve grown up playing footy my whole life, it’s all I’ve really known, I love routine so I think (not having that) will challenge me. 

“There will be some challenges along the way, but I’m excited for the next chapter.” 

The path to improvement in 2027 and beyond

Having built a strong foundation across the past two seasons, Adelaide will be hoping to improve on back-to-back Semi-Final finishes next year and beyond. 

Walker was asked about where the improvement would come from, and spoke on the areas the Club would target in the upcoming Trade Period and Draft. 

“They obviously wanted to go after another midfielder in Zac Bailey, and we weren’t able to get him, but I think what we need is an inside mid to help Dawson and Rankine,” Walker said. 

“You always want to get A-grade midfielders, and then the Club has been talking about wanting to get some help off half-back for Wayne Milera. 

“But I’m sure the Club will continue to look at ways to get better over the trade period and draft as well.” 

The young Crows ready to take the next step

Along with targeting players from other Clubs, Walker said much of the Crows’ improvement would come from the organic growth of its young core. 

The all-time leading goalkicker highlighted a number of, now former, teammates he expected to take their game to another level in 2027 and beyond. 

“He (Dan Curtin) is nearly 200cm and 100kgs, so he’s a big boy and is a plug and play in that midfield moving forward,” Walker said. 

“I’d imagine the Club would be looking forward to seeing what Sid Draper can do over the pre-season and getting him fit and healthy. 

“I think (Josh Rachele) can (become a good midfielder), he is one of those ones that would be able to rotate through there, so he plays, Ranks (Izak Rankine) plays, even Zaccy Taylor as well.

“Zaccy Taylor is a star, he sees the game differently to most players, he’s a one touch player, makes great decisions and is a beautiful kick too, so he can certainly add to that midfield mix. 

“So there’s some stuff internally, but you always want to look externally too and get some good players through the doors.” 

Watching the evolution of Adelaide’s forward line

Season 2027 will signify the start of a new era for the Crows’ forward line, as they begin life without their all-time leading goalkicker. 

Walker said he was excited to see the group grow in his absence, but admitted there would be times he’d miss being out on the field with his teammates. 

“Obviously Fog and Filthy will grow into that role even more now that I’m gone, we’ve got Archie Ludowyke who we saw a few games from this year and Finnbar as well,” Walker said. 

“So we’ve got some guys that will come through and take their opportunities that's for sure. 

“There will be times that I wish I could still be out playing with them, and times where I’ll be super excited to sit back and watch them prosper. 

“I’ll forever have a keen eye on the footy Club and watch all those guys I’ve built relationships with.” 

An emotional night for the Walker family

The emotions spilled out of Walker on Saturday night as he left an AFL field for the 319th and final time, with his three children by his side. 

Walker spoke about his feelings during that time, and how his children reacted to seeing their father tear-up. 

“The boys got really emotional seeing me getting a bit emotional, after the game they were very upset,” Walker said. 

“Hattie was a little bit concerned, I’m not sure she knows exactly what’s going on but I think the boys are going to miss the players the most. 

“They’ve asked a few times ‘oh can we still see Fog, can we see Daws, Rash’ and I say yeah we’ll go down and see them, go down to Thebarton and see them.” 

What’s next?

Walker said planning for his next chapter was underway, as he confirmed he would still be involved with the Club in some capacity. 

He said a role was still being finalised, and that he was excited to stay involved with the Adelaide Football Club. 

“Nothing has been decided just yet, we wanted to get through the season and then we’d have a discussion about what it looks like and where to go from here,” Walker said.

“I will be working at the Club in some capacity, yes, but don’t know what yet, I do have some ideas in my head but I won’t share those until I chat to the Club properly about it. 

“I want to get away, have a bit of a spell and then work it all out, one thing I will say is I’m looking forward to going to The Ashes next year.”