The Crows have a new captain, their seventh since the clubs inception in 1991, with Taylor Walker leading Adelaide into battle in 2015.
‘Tex’ is popular with his teammates, and the fans. And even though Taylor isn’t a fan of the media, those who ask the questions with microphone and notepad in hand appear to have a soft spot for him.
Tex is likeable, honest, straightforward, and one hell of a footballer.
Port veteran Kane Cornes gave Tex the thumbs up on radio a couple of weeks ago and while many scoffed at the suggestion, there were those who felt Tex was the chosen one, particularly given the doubts over the future of Patrick Dangerfield at the club.
Rory Sloane could feel a little left out, but new coach Phil Walsh would have had a “man’s conversation”, as he puts it, with Sloane, Patrick and former captain Nathan van Berlo, and that would have been the end of it. Walsh doesn’t mess about.
In my limited dealings with Tex I have found him to be constantly on the hunt for information that will improve the way he goes about his football and his life – a trait worth bottling.
There were a number of telling comments at Wednesday’s media conference.
Firstly, this from the coach on what Tex has to offer:
“Tex influences others to follow him in the direction I want this club to go. He’s a competitor, who desperately chases success. They are qualities I want every Crows player when they put the jumper on this year to have.”
There is no doubt Tex has developed a very strong bond already with Walsh, a crucial factor in a successful coach/captain combination.
Then this from Tex:
“I am not a real fan of the media, but we will get there. I will try to school myself up and get a bit better.”
And I am sure Tex will get better. The club’s media manager is Ian Shuttleworth, who was Adelaide’s number one football reporter in another life. Shuttleworth will reinforce to Tex just how important it is that player and media work together.
Tex’s first media conference as captain was safe, yet confident, he will no doubt grow into the role and as circumstances arise I am sure he will get better at articulating the situation. But the star forward says he won’t be changing all that much.
Crows fans will be happy with that, as the boy from Broken Hill is already loved and respected.
Josh
Expert
"Walker this way"... own up guys, which one of you thought that gem up? ha ha. For what it's worth I love this appointment, big fan of Tex and think he'll do a good job captaining the side. Not especially impressed with Phil Walsh from what I've seen so far but time will tell, especially when they get on field.
jax
Guest
you can't say it's typical of WA or that West Aussies get jealous of SA because you'd be talking for 2.2 mill people if you are. You're referring to the opinion of one guy, I don't rate his opinions either.
ray bullock
Guest
Interesting choice as captain in Tex for the Crows. Watching perth TV last night as the story was being aired, the particular newsreader was at his worst as per usual stating the crows had made a bad choice and the snigger at the conclusion of the report was as bad as it gets. Adrian Barich is the clown of sports presenting and a west coast junkie. Typical of wa as they get so jealous when sa does something good.
Mark Aiston
Roar Guru
Ta matdoc .. He's a good man Tex
matdoc
Guest
Adelaide's inception to the AFL was in 1991, not 1996. I think he will make a great captain. Someone to lead from the front and set an example is just what the Crows need.