JOSH Jenkins isn't at all surprised by the early form of Taylor Walker – he knows the captain's ability better than most.
The two key forwards forged a strong bond in 2013 when they both spent considerable time in rehabilitation, Walker with his injured knee and Jenkins an injured ankle.
Walker has wasted no time flexing his muscle in his first season as skipper - his 11 goals in three games ranks him equal second behind West Coast's Josh Kennedy (13) and he's averaging more marks (nine) and disposals (16.7) than at any other point in his career.
Match preview: Bulldogs v Crows
Jenkins believes the captaincy may have helped Walker's output but credits it mainly on the skipper’s natural progression.
Before the 24-year-old underwent a knee reconstruction in early 2013 he was emerging as one of the competition's biggest offensive threats, and Jenkins said he was simply continuing that path.
"[Season] 2013 was pretty much a wreck, 2014 was pretty good year considering the long lay-off he had, so for mine he's just picked up off that 2012 form," Jenkins said.
"He looks super, he looks fit, he looks strong, he looks really confident and guys feed off that.
"Tex is 24 now so he's entering the prime time of his career. I think it was just natural that he was going to improve – we all know how talented he is and how good he can be.
"The captaincy probably adds a couple of per cent but in terms of his performance, it's just his pure talent and hard work."
A key to Adelaide's start to the season has been its consistency.
Playing to their ability each week proved a constant battle for the Crows under Brenton Sanderson and while three games is a small sample size, they've managed consecutive strong performances.
Jenkins said improved clarity of message from the coaching group had made it easier for players to execute their role each week.
They'll take on the Western Bulldogs on Sunday aiming for a fourth straight win and the club's best start to a season since 1996.
"We've had three good wins so a fourth is what we're looking for ... we'll have our work cut out for ourselves to beat the Dogs in Melbourne," Jenkins said.
"We didn't need a new coach to come in to tell us that we'd struggled with consistency – we were already aware of that.
"There's just a bit more clarity with what each person's trying to do and each person's role.
"Thus far most of us have been able to do what we've been asked - the challenge is obviously to do it every single week."
