A DEFIANT Taylor Walker is committed as ever as remaining Adelaide captain in the face of claims he should be replaced as Crows skipper.
There have been suggestions, led by inaugural Crows coach Graham Cornes as recently as Monday, that vice-captain Rory Sloane should take over the captaincy from Walker, who has led the club since 2015.
However, Walker said the captaincy was an honour he cherished dearly and wasn't something he wanted to relinquish.
"I really enjoy being captain," Walker told reporters on Tuesday.
"It's a great honour to be able to lead this great footy club.
"I grew up barracking for this footy club.
"I'm very passionate and I'm going to be a Crow for life.
"If I can continue to be captain for as long as I can, I'll keep putting my hand up."
Walker has kicked 24 goals in 12 games this season after an injury-interrupted pre-season.
He also missed rounds nine to 11 to undertake a block of conditioning during the season and admitted his form has been down.
"It's been very challenging, I only did about 10 or 20 per cent of pre-season," Walker said.
"Historically when you do that much, it definitely hinders you to perform the way you want to.
"I put my hand up to say I haven't been able to perform the way I know I can, but I've still been able to play my role in a way that 'Pykey' (Crows coach Don Pyke) has been happy with.
"For me, knowing my body, I need to be able to train to perform each week.
"For whatever reason, I haven't been able to do that, but I'll just keep backing up."
The Crows are likely to welcome back half-back flanker Brodie Smith for Showdown 45 against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday for his first game of the season.
Smith missed 10 months recovering from a torn ACL, but looks ready after two games in the SANFL.
FROM THE TWOS Star Crow defender shines again
Veterans Richard Douglas (ankle) and David Mackay (ribs), and young defender Tom Doedee (concussion) are also in the mix.
The Crows are almost certain to miss the finals, needing to win their remaining four games and hope other results go their way.
But Walker isn't giving up hope his side can feature in September.
"If we can get the guys back – Douglas, Smith, Doedee – it gives us a great opportunity to play the way we want to play," Walker said.
