A Wayne Carey-esque performance from new Adelaide captain Taylor Walker against North Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval has surely sent shockwaves through the rest of the league.
One of the game’s very few traditional full forwards was at his blistering best, with 22 disposals, 15 marks and 6.5, in a performance that put to rest any doubts about his appointment as the Crows’ captain.
As for his side, they were clinical, apart from a brief concentration lapse just after halftime. The Crows regularly hunted the ball in numbers and their pressure around the contest had finals-like intensity.
There was a look of purpose and steely intent among Phil Walsh’s men. It is clear the players have bought in to the new coach’s game plan.
But it was the new skipper that kicked off proceedings and led from the front, which was no surprise to the Crows’ faithful, football manager Phil Harper remarking in the pre-season that Walker could potentially kick 100 goals this season:
“He’s one of the power forwards of the competition and if anyone can do it, it’s him.
“He’s a machine and is certainly leading by example on the track, even more so since his appointment as captain.”
Walker’s breakout season came in 2012, when he booted 63 goals and cemented himself as one of the best forwards of the AFL. His dominance that season coincided with the Crows only missing out on the grand final by a single kick.
He has experienced a frustrating past 24 months in Adelaide, requiring a knee reconstructing after rupturing his ACL early in the 2013 season.
He showed glimpses of his ability last year, with standout games against Gold Coast and Brisbane Lions, but he was not able to consistently be a focal point.
But now he is fit and firing and his game on the weekend was enough to make even the competition’s best defenders nervous.
It is only very early in the season, but could Walker’s resurgence be enough to lead the Crows into top-four contention?
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Any Swans fans want to go get him? :) Add to the forward line
Don Freo
Guest
Luke McPharlin, Zac Dawson...let's get some perspective.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Maybe 20 goals would send "shockwaves through the rest of the league", 6 goals is only enough for a raised eyebrow and appreciative nod I'm afraid.
Bill
Guest
Yep. A team that was one game away from making gf last year. You dork.
Lamby
Roar Rookie
So would I, I had a sneaky bet on Tex for the Colman at 12's before the start of the season. I thought a with a full pre-season under his belt, an attacking game plan and Buddy unlikely to play every game, he was worth a shot :-)
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I'd love to see the Big TEXAN kick a TONNE this season! He's exciting. If only he would grow back the MULLET
Tommo Willo
Roar Pro
After collingwood are the dees, bulldogs, a showdown then gold coast, the saints and the giants. A 7-1 or even 8-0 start is very possible
TomC
Roar Guru
The Crows are up against Collingwood this week, and with Ben Reid likely to miss again Walker has an opportunity to cut loose again against a Pies backline that was untested for most of their round one game, and then suddenly looked alarmingly ineffective. Adelaide have a pretty favourable draw to start the year, so April might be an excellent month for big Tex.
JW
Guest
Centrebet now has crows as equal 5th favourite for the flag so top 4 not that far fetched.
JW
Guest
Early days but I think they're a sneaky chance at top 4. Their top 8 chances look very good at least. Their intensity around the ball and defensive pressure was reminiscent of port last year - looks like getting Phil Walsh on board is already having an impact. Big tex was unstoppable, his knee troubles look to be behind him as he was moving so much better than he did last year. It was Carey like. He is going to beat up a few of the poorer teams this year. Throw in betts, Jenkins, lynch and a resting dangerfield and they have a potent forward line. Still some concerns in defence- get the feeling they are still 1 Phil Davis...I mean 1 key defender short. they will be hoping hartigan continues to improve and Cheney can play on the 3rd opposition tall.
Jacques of Lilydale
Guest
Keep it in perspective, it was only against North Melbourne! However Big Tex wil be a handful if he can stay on the park.