Not walking: Tex signs on until end of 2018
Taylor Walker signs with Adelaide until the end of 2018
ADELAIDE has pulled off a coup in re-signing Taylor Walker to a three-year deal that will see the key forward remain a Crow until at least the end of 2018.
Walker was one of the club's big three, along with Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield, set to fall out of contract next year.
The 24-year-old made a brilliant return from a knee reconstruction this season, booting 34 goals from 15 games.
He also finished the year sixth in the League for goal assists – averaging just over one a game – and averaged a career-high 15 disposals a game.
Walker was awarded Best Team Man at the club's best and fairest.
The popular figure would have attracted huge interest from rival sides had he contemplated leaving West Lakes.
"I love the club and in particular this playing group, and have great confidence about the future," Walker said.
"My best footy is definitely ahead of me and I start this pre-season in great shape.
"This announcement has been in the pipeline for a long time, and I am pleased to have it sorted so I can concentrate on my footy."
Senior coach Phil Walsh said there was no doubting the importance of Walker's presence in his side.
Walsh said the forward, who was in the team's leadership group this season, was a terrific influence on the players.
"Taylor is a genuine team-first player who has a positive impact on the playing group," Walsh said.
"I look forward to seeing him grow as footballer, leader and person."
Player Team Status Patrick Dangerfield ADEL Unsigned Richard Douglas ADEL Unsigned Taylor Walker ADEL Signed a new three-year deal Jed Adcock BL Unsigned Matthew Leuenberger BL Unsigned Matthew Kreuzer CARL Unsigned Tom Bellchambers ESS Unsigned Brent Macaffer COLL Unsigned Brent Stanton ESS Unsigned Paul Duffield FRE Unsigned Michael Johnson FRE Unsigned Tom Hawkins GEEL Unsigned Andrew Mackie GEEL Unsigned Mathew Stokes GEEL Unsigned Matthew Suckling HAW Unsigned Colin Garland MELB Unsigned Nathan Jones MELB Unsigned Andrew Swallow NM Unsigned Robbie Tarrant NM Unsigned Robbie Gray PORT Unsigned Matthew Lobbe PORT Unsigned Trent Cotchin RICH Unsigned Alex Rance RICH Unsigned Sam Gilbert STK Unsigned Jack Steven STK Unsigned Scott Selwood WCE Unsigned