THE MEMORIES of Taylor Walker leading his Crows to victory in the 2015 elimination final are something the Western Bulldogs would like to forget.
The Adelaide skipper was immense in the seven-point win, grabbing 10 marks and kicking three goals to be arguably best player on the ground, and probably the difference between the two sides in the end.
But as the premiership contenders prepare to face off for the first time since last September, the Dogs have unearthed a player capable of mixing it with the Crows' marquee man.
Marcus Adams has won many admirers in his debut AFL campaign and the mature-aged recruit is looking forward to standing a player he respects enormously, and who he feels he'd have a lot in common with.
"Tex seems like a real funny, down-to-earth sort of bloke and I'd reckon I would get along with him," Adams told AFL.com.au.
"He’s one of my favorite players because of the way he plays the game.
"I've watched him for a while now and he has so many ways he can win a contest, so I'll have be on top of my game."
The West Perth product, dubbed 'The Specimen' for his imposing build is certainly primed for the pivotal match up.
His form has been so good - Luke Beveridge went as far to say Adams' first few AFL games were as good as any key defender.
While he's "stoked" to receive such glowing praise, the 22-year-old says it has been the coach's unwavering belief that has helped him hold his own against guns Matthew Pavlich, Nick Riewoldt and Jarrad Waite in his first six league games.
"It was a little surreal at first to be honest because I've watched these guys on TV and now I'm standing next to them," Adams said.
"I never liked to lose a contest at WAFL level, but you're never going to win every contest against players of that calibre, so it's been a challenge to counteract such champions.
"Coming into my first season of AFL footy, I didn't know what to expect and how I'd transition, but I've been happy with how I've adapted to the big time."
What sets Adams apart from a lot of key defenders is his ability to take a contested mark, and that rare attribute sees him sit ninth in the competition with 14 to his name.
"We do have the license to take contested marks and get the ball back if we think we can," Adams said.
"Taking the ball off the opposition is the best way to defend.
"Getting the balance of when to spoil and when to mark is something I'm still learning."
While still a work in progress, Adams is adjusting well to living in Melbourne and residing by himself.
"Early days was a big challenge, not seeing my family and friends very often, but I've settled in and made some great mates," Adams said.
"I've just been getting used to the Melbourne traffic and the way of life over here.
"And I'm not a bad cook, but I don't like cleaning - I just can't find the motivation."
