Is Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker a bogan and more to the point does it really matter? Well, firstly let’s take a look at what Australia’s Macquarie Dictionary defines as a bogan.
It is: “a person, generally from an outer suburb of a city or town and from a lower socio-economic background, viewed as uncultured”.
I’ll address that later, but I see that already and predictably the debate is raging about why Tex got the Adelaide captaincy ahead of Rory Sloane or Patrick Dangerfield. As well as whether Tex can handle the top job.
The conventional wisdom is that Dangerfield missed out because he can’t commit to the club long term and giving the role to a player who ups and leaves the next year simply doesn’t make sense. As for why Rory didn’t get the gig, clearly he wasn’t rated ahead of Tex by the coach.
It never ceases to amaze and disappoint me the amount of so called Crows fans who tend to knock their own and simply look for the negatives.
Of all the comments on forums that have been made in recent days, an unnamed fan summed it up perfectly. She was commenting on former North Melbourne star and now media commentator David King’s comparison of Tex to Wayne Carey.
“Really, all Tex Walker needs to be is himself. He’s not Wayne Carey or any other past captain. He will have his own unique personality and leadership ability to bring into the role.”
And that’s what Tex will do, he will grow into the role both on and off the field.
I described Tex’s first media conference as captain as safe and professional. He made no mistakes, he wasn’t controversial, he stayed on message talking team and club, and he walked out with the media on his side. Don’t forget he read a prepared statement and then took questions in front of his teammates and coaches – intimidating for anyone. In fact such displays are usually done when a player is retiring from the game.
I predict Tex will be an outstanding leader on the field. His monolith-like figure in the forward line coupled with his bellowing deep voice barking encouragement during a match will do the job. And eloquent or not, his motivational rant within the confines of the huddle when the chips are down will be heard loud and clear.
Off the field, I have no doubt Tex will endear himself to the club’s long list of sponsors. He relates well, he comes across as unpretentious, yet look careful and you may just observe a subtle glow of the extraordinary.
And his popularity among the fans is of the highest order. Even those who doubt his ability to captain still put him on a pedestal.
So back to my original question. Is Tex a bogan?
Personally I think Tex is different. But I really don’t care either way. I have fiends who are bogans. They are good people, high achievers, with decent morals and plans for success. And yes, they are different. But being different shouldn’t mean that we judge that person harshly.
Josh
Expert
Tex is a top bloke and any young crow with their head screwed on straight should be chomping at the bit to follow him into battle. Will make a good captain IMO.
Marvin
Guest
"I have fiends who are bogans. They are good people" ??? Fiends do fiendish things! Not good people material Mark. I'd watch my back if I were you!!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
No idea - but I'm betting if we did 100 polls, Tex would win everyone of them. I went to the two Showdowns last year - as I follow the Power as my second team being a SA boy at heart - with my parents who are big Crows fans. Quite apparent who the fans follow the most. Now I'm not saying Sloane is not popular, because he is. Those three are the heart and sole of the Crows, but Tex is the King. As a side note, the Adelaide Oval is without a doubt the best ground in my opinion now to watch AFL. Something all SA people should be proud of. Good to get back to our great city every now and then.
Barneythecrab
Guest
how many fans did they ask? I'm a member I wasn't asked/complete this pole.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Sloane more popular than Tex in SA. Um...if you say so. BTW, you might want to read this: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/adelaide-fans-give-taylor-walker-tick-of-approval-ahead-of-patrick-dangerfield-rory-sloane/story-fnia3xzy-1227094226869?nk=78c0831bfebd4784925432725f1a0a9d Tex most popular. Danger most sought after Guernsey. Sloane the 2nd bridesmaid... Popularity is a funny thing. Despite Tex not really playing 1 year of great football, he is still more popular than Sloane who has won a B&F and finished ahead of both of them in the past three B&F. Just imagine how popular he would be if he actually played consistently excellent football. The three are completely different in what they bring to the club football wise. Sloanne = consistently good, hard worker that gets the job done. Coaches love him. Danger = A true match winner, which is what the umpires love and why he out polls Sloane in the Brownlow and not the B&F Tex = Critical structural player that is hard to come by. He just also happens to be a cult figure and someone the public can latch onto. As suggested in that article, you can see the headlines this year. Tex Walker for RANGER!
Barneythecrab
Guest
Mate if they wanted the popular option they would have chosen Sloane.
jax
Guest
you could be right. And Walsh may have decided to stamp his authority on the group and set the way forward.
jax
Guest
I don't have much Vocans. He can lead on-field with his play-making and he adds enormous value in so many ways. He just wouldn't be my first choice and that's my personal opinion from what I've seen of him in the media. I haven't had a lot of exposure other than that. I'm happy to be shown another side. He spoke during last years Brownlow count and I've seen him on the footy show and in other interviews. He talks a lot, is full of confidence (some might say sprinkled with a little arrogance, but he can play) and his attempts at humour can lack timing, delivery or they just aren't funny to me. High energy people that talk a lot, add humour etc are great to be around but I doesn't resonate with me in regards to him. I don't have anything against the guy, he's a gun player. If he was my captain, I'd want him to talk less, stop trying to be funny and just get on with it. Lead at all times and use words if necessary. Some things don't need to be said and some incredible players aren't great captains or coaches.
Radelaide
Guest
I still think that Walker is captain because he signed on.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Well considering the 'Board of Selectors' picks the team and the coaching staff have very little say in who takes to the paddock, I'd say their input is minor at best when it comes to selecting the captain. Dunstall explained last year on 360 how Clarkson has limited input in the selection of players at times, although I'm sure a 3 x premiership coach would have some sway at the table. This basic concept is derived from Civil-military relations. It is thought that civilian control of the military is better than the military controlling the state. Same principal in that the board controls the team selection and the coaches control what is given to them, with Clarko being the general so to speak. It's about as simple as that and I would be shocked if two newly appointed, very inexperienced coaches had very much to say at all on the captain. The headlines of course will say this, because most don't understand how clubs operate at this level and the club wants to also show it is backing it's head coach 100 per cent. After all, if it's the wrong decision and it all goes tits up, the coach is right in the firing line - not the board. :) Now I may be wrong about 'why' they chose Tex, but I doubt I'm wrong about 'who' chose Tex.
Vocans
Guest
Not with you on Danger Jax - evidence?
Vocans
Guest
I'm with you Jax, Walsh would never let anyone else take the responsibility for his choice, or say he was sole decision-maker when he wasn't. He's as old school as you can get.
Mark Aiston
Roar Guru
Rick.the point I was making is .. in the last week or so there has been discussion on radio about Tex and some have labeled him a bogan .. What i was saying was who gives a toss. as long as he gets the job done .. that was all. Cheers Reply
Mark Aiston
Roar Guru
Rick.the point I was making is .. in the last week or so there has been discussion on radio about Tex and some have labeled him a bogan .. What i was saying was who gives a toss. as long as he gets the job done .. that was all. Cheers
jax
Guest
I read this section of this article. "We have what I call man conversations. I spoke with all members of the leadership group over the weekend about my decision. They all had a view. Yesterday we met as a leadership group with Darren Glass [newly appointed leadership coach] and the CEO [Andrew Fagan] and we put it all out on the table. We had a man conversation and we got on with it. That's how we do business here." http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/taylor-walker-the-new-adelaide-crows-captain-20150114-12nrt0.html I'd say that Glass and Fagan had a very good opportunity to voice their opinions, and yes maybe Roo also. I'm sure that Walsh would have listened closely to what Glass had to say due to the high regard he holds him in after their long association working together at West Coast.
Mic
Guest
Hopefully he can get the rest of the team to grow that magnificent mullet that he once had. Now that would be worth watching
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I'll rephrase. I think Tex being popular with the masses was a very valuable asset to have once he put his hand up to become the Crows captain. This may not have been the only reason as to why the greater powers chose him, and I personally use the word 'may' very loosely. Also, what makes you think Walsh and Glass had much of a say when it comes to his appointment as captain? There is one Sherrif in town and his name is Mark Ricciuto!
jax
Guest
Walsh & Glass did not pick Tex as a PR exercise. That goes against everything that they stand for and they have been around long enough to know that it will end in pain, so they simply wouldn't do it. If it was solely their decision to make it was based on merits. I remember people questioning why Glass was named WC captain in 2008 and look at the outcome of that decision, AA captain and all. Danger always looked like a poor choice of captain to me, too much of a smart-ass and not a likeable guy at all vs the down to earth, committed and likeable Tex. I hope he does well
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
He will be judged on three things Olivia: 1. Win/Loss ration 2. Finals this year 3. Being part of stopping the Power becoming top dog in Adelaide It's that simple. Roo is running the show in Adelaide and the gossip is he got rid of Sanderson, because he didn't feel Sando was heading in the right direction with the Crows both on and off the pitch. He has seen what a man like Hinkley can do to a club in less than 2-years and is scares him. Having grown up in Adelaide I know all to well the Crows have been Top Dog for 25 years. They also think their **** doesn't stink when it comes to who is number one and who the public follows. Personally, I don't think he is the right man for the job. I think this is a PR exercise, because Tex is VERY popular in SA and having him as the captain does wonders for all the kids in the state who look up to him as their leader, and more importantly, solidifying their brand against the Power. I can sniff this a mile away, which is what this article should have been about. Perhaps I might write an article on it, but if the Crows don't make the finals this year, it will be interesting to see how ruthless Roo really is...
Olivia Watts
Roar Guru
You beat me to the punch in some ways Rick. I was about to observe that if he has the support and respect of the coaching and playing groups, can speak articulately and know when it is best to say too little than too much, and endears himself with the sponsors through being accessible and a good role model - and I suspect he ticks all those boxes - then it is immaterial if he is a mullet wearing bona fide bogan or a haute couture intellectual such as a Chris Judd. If he can do the job to everyone' satisfaction, the story is over and that is ALL he should be judged by.