Adelaide forward Taylor Walker says he’s recovering well after a sickening neck injury in Saturday’s clash against the Lions.

Walker was substituted off in the second term following a heavy collision with Brisbane’s Daniel Rich. 

The veteran told Triple M’s Roo & Ditts he was holding out hope he would line-up in the Crows’ prime-time game against Essendon on Friday. 

“I’m still a bit stiff and sore through the neck but each day I’m recovering very well, so I’m on the move,” he said. 

“Friday night footy, you can’t beat it. 

“You don’t want to miss those games - I’ll be doing everything I can to play the Bombers and the big Truck (Ben Rutten).

“I’m going to go get a haircut this week, do a little bit of a shave.”

Walker also spoke highly of inaugural Crow Chris McDermott, who returned to the Club to hand debutant Luke Pedlar his guernsey last week. 

“(Pedlar) was awesome, he’s pretty chuffed to have had Chris McDermott present the guernsey to him,” Walker said. 

“There’s a bit of connection there being an old Bays boy. It’s not too often that Clubs get their first player to present a guernsey to a debutant.

“It’s quite unique for our Club and I tell you what, I was pretty chuffed to have Chris McDermott back around."

Adelaide’s Round 17 clash with Essendon will be played at Marvel Stadium on Friday, July 9 at 7.20pm ACST (7.50pm AEST).