ADELAIDE captain Tex Walker was proud to lead the Crows to victory on the first anniversary of former coach Phil Walsh's death.

Walker told AFL.com.au the players had spoken earlier in the week about Walsh's impact as coach before turning their full attention to the clash against Melbourne.

"Throughout the week as an individual you reflect on the memories that you had with him but coming over here we were all just crystal clear on what we had to do," Walker said.

The skipper kicked three goals and took eight marks to be a vital contributor to the Crows' 22-point win at the MCG.

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"He [Walsh] would be up there looking down on us. He would be proud and [so would] his family as well," Walker said. 

Crows' coach Don Pyke said the club had discussed how they could pay their respects to Walsh after their win against North Melbourne.

He said the message from Walsh's family was for the Crows to take a low-key approach.

"I thought our players were able to deal with the week really well," Pyke said.

"I am sure they had their moment of reflection and they were keen to get a win tonight."

The Crows placed a plaque and planted a tree on the north-eastern outskirts of Adelaide Oval as a tribute to Walsh with CEO Andrew Fagan penning a tribute.

With the win against Melbourne in the bag, Walker said the Crows knew what they had to do to stay in contention during 2016.

"We have just got to keep winning. That is what footy is about, win each week, and the destiny is in our hands. If we keep doing that we will keep a smile on everyone's face," Walker said.

A year on from the tragedy and a smile is on Walker's face, his enjoyment of the game undiminished.

"I love footy. Don't we all love footy?" Walker said. 

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