Taylor Walker available for Adelaide after one-match suspension
taylor walker is available to return to Adelaide’s lineup for Saturday afternoon’s match against Melbourne after serving a one-match suspension for rough conduct. His availability gives the Crows another option ahead of the ball, and it comes with selection decisions still to be made around a forward line that could be reshaped.
Walker and the Crows' forward mix
Walker said there are a few players available for selection and the coaching staff will decide the best mix ahead of the ball. He said the team looks a little bit better when it is smaller ahead of the ball, and added that Adelaide probably should not play all four tall forwards on the field at the same time.
That leaves his own return tied directly to the balance Adelaide wants against Melbourne. Walker framed it plainly: “It’s up to Nicksy and the coaching staff now, there are a few of us that are available to play so we’ll see how it plays out,” he said.
McAndrew's matchup with Gawn
Walker also pointed to Lachlan McAndrew’s role as an emerging ruckman ahead of a Saturday afternoon test against Max Gawn. McAndrew stands 210cm tall, and Walker said he will face the eight-time All-Australian in a contest that will demand support around him.
“We’re looking forward to (that contest), Stretch is going to have to do what he does, but we’re all going to have to try and help him throughout the game,” Walker said. On Gawn, he added: “Maxy (Gawn) is one of the all time greatest rucks, he’s one of those players you don’t quite appreciate when he’s playing, but I’ve got no doubt he’ll go down as one of the greatest players of our generation.”
Hugo Walker's new favourite
Walker’s family story ran through the same conversation. He said his son Hugo has taken a shine to McAndrew after watching him play, asking what position he plays and then copying his run-up and goal celebration in a junior footy game.
“Hugo was looking at Lachie McAndrew the other week, just how big he was and was asking what position he plays and stuff like that,” Walker said. “So then he started taking a keen eye to Stretch, and when he started kicking a few goals and rolling out the skips in his run-up, Hugo started copying him and did the same in his game.”
Walker said he told McAndrew afterward: “I mentioned to Stretch afterwards you don’t understand how much influence you have on the kids out there.” With Adelaide set to face Melbourne at 12.45pm ACST, the immediate call sits with the coaching staff and the shape of the forward line they choose to back in.
