Latest news with #TaylorWalker
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
'Stick to the process:' Walker rapt as Suns test awaits
Comparison is the thief of joy - and for Taylor Walker, it also gets in the way of The Process. The veteran Adelaide forward is in no mood to revisit the Crows' last AFL finals campaign as their long-awaited return to September looms large. Adelaide are third with a healthy percentage. They are riding a three-game winning streak and captain Jordan Dawson re-signed this week. So life is good at West Lakes ahead of Sunday's massive home game against Gold Coast, who are sixth and also have won their last three games. Suns coach Damien Hardwick once called July "Big Boy Month" in the grind of an AFL season and Sunday is a another big test for the combatants. Walker has no time for history, with the Crows writing some special new chapters with coach Matthew Nicks. "It's unfair to compare. We're building something really special at this footy club and it's been going for a long time under Nicksy," he told AAP. In a three-minute interview, Walker repeatedly uses the word "process". It is put to him that just as any interview with a Collingwood player will feature "The System", Adelaide have "The Process". "There you go," the Adelaide big man smiles. "For us, we've just got to continue to stick to what we know, and that's our process. "That's what keeps getting it done. It will all take care of itself - in life, if you stick to the process, results take care of themselves. "We just have to keep batting up and backing up in the big month ahead, against some really, really good sides." Walker also notes that below top sides Collingwood and Brisbane, there is a log jam. And while Adelaide's last five games are not the worst draw, it's not an easy run either. After the Suns they have the Showdown - and Port Adelaide would love nothing more than send off coach Ken Hinkley with one last win over their fiercest rivals. Then comes West Coast, another blockbuster against Collingwood and North Melbourne. Apart from Walker, Matt Crouch, Rory Laird, Wayne Milera, Reilly O'Brien and Brodie Smith were also at the Crows when the club was derailed by the disastrous 2017 grand-final loss to Richmond. Now the man known as "Tex" is the old man of the powerful Crows attack, with Riley Thilthorpe kicking a career-best six goals in last week's statement win over the Western Bulldogs. A feature of Sunday will be Thilthorpe v Suns defender Mac Andrew, who got in the face of the Crows star immediately after Gold Coast had a controversial one-point win at home in round four. What Walker loves about the Adelaide attack is everyone is playing their part. "They're going really well - not just the key forwards, but across the board in our forward line," Walker said. "If someone's having a quiet day someone else pops up and we're able to share the load. "We just keep emphasising our ability to bring each other into the game - it's just so infectious."
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Stick to the process:' Walker rapt as Suns test awaits
Comparison is the thief of joy - and for Taylor Walker, it also gets in the way of The Process. The veteran Adelaide forward is in no mood to revisit the Crows' last AFL finals campaign as their long-awaited return to September looms large. Adelaide are third with a healthy percentage. They are riding a three-game winning streak and captain Jordan Dawson re-signed this week. So life is good at West Lakes ahead of Sunday's massive home game against Gold Coast, who are sixth and also have won their last three games. Suns coach Damien Hardwick once called July "Big Boy Month" in the grind of an AFL season and Sunday is a another big test for the combatants. Walker has no time for history, with the Crows writing some special new chapters with coach Matthew Nicks. "It's unfair to compare. We're building something really special at this footy club and it's been going for a long time under Nicksy," he told AAP. In a three-minute interview, Walker repeatedly uses the word "process". It is put to him that just as any interview with a Collingwood player will feature "The System", Adelaide have "The Process". "There you go," the Adelaide big man smiles. "That's what keeps getting it done. It will all take care of itself - in life, if you stick to the process, results take care of themselves. "We just have to keep batting up and backing up in the big month ahead, against some really, really good sides." Walker also notes that below top sides Collingwood and Brisbane, there is a log jam. And while Adelaide's last five games are not the worst draw, it's not an easy run either. After the Suns they have the Showdown - and Port Adelaide would love nothing more than send off coach Ken Hinkley with one last win over their fiercest rivals. Then comes West Coast, another blockbuster against Collingwood and North Melbourne. Apart from Walker, Matt Crouch, Rory Laird, Wayne Milera, Reilly O'Brien and Brodie Smith were also at the Crows when the club was derailed by the disastrous 2017 grand-final loss to Richmond. Now the man known as "Tex" is the old man of the powerful Crows attack, with Riley Thilthorpe kicking a career-best six goals in last week's statement win over the Western Bulldogs. A feature of Sunday will be Thilthorpe v Suns defender Mac Andrew, who got in the face of the Crows star immediately after Gold Coast had a controversial one-point win at home in round four. What Walker loves about the Adelaide attack is everyone is playing their part. "They're going really well - not just the key forwards, but across the board in our forward line," Walker said. "If someone's having a quiet day someone else pops up and we're able to share the load. "We just keep emphasising our ability to bring each other into the game - it's just so infectious." Comparison is the thief of joy - and for Taylor Walker, it also gets in the way of The Process. The veteran Adelaide forward is in no mood to revisit the Crows' last AFL finals campaign as their long-awaited return to September looms large. Adelaide are third with a healthy percentage. They are riding a three-game winning streak and captain Jordan Dawson re-signed this week. So life is good at West Lakes ahead of Sunday's massive home game against Gold Coast, who are sixth and also have won their last three games. Suns coach Damien Hardwick once called July "Big Boy Month" in the grind of an AFL season and Sunday is a another big test for the combatants. Walker has no time for history, with the Crows writing some special new chapters with coach Matthew Nicks. "It's unfair to compare. We're building something really special at this footy club and it's been going for a long time under Nicksy," he told AAP. In a three-minute interview, Walker repeatedly uses the word "process". It is put to him that just as any interview with a Collingwood player will feature "The System", Adelaide have "The Process". "There you go," the Adelaide big man smiles. "That's what keeps getting it done. It will all take care of itself - in life, if you stick to the process, results take care of themselves. "We just have to keep batting up and backing up in the big month ahead, against some really, really good sides." Walker also notes that below top sides Collingwood and Brisbane, there is a log jam. And while Adelaide's last five games are not the worst draw, it's not an easy run either. After the Suns they have the Showdown - and Port Adelaide would love nothing more than send off coach Ken Hinkley with one last win over their fiercest rivals. Then comes West Coast, another blockbuster against Collingwood and North Melbourne. Apart from Walker, Matt Crouch, Rory Laird, Wayne Milera, Reilly O'Brien and Brodie Smith were also at the Crows when the club was derailed by the disastrous 2017 grand-final loss to Richmond. Now the man known as "Tex" is the old man of the powerful Crows attack, with Riley Thilthorpe kicking a career-best six goals in last week's statement win over the Western Bulldogs. A feature of Sunday will be Thilthorpe v Suns defender Mac Andrew, who got in the face of the Crows star immediately after Gold Coast had a controversial one-point win at home in round four. What Walker loves about the Adelaide attack is everyone is playing their part. "They're going really well - not just the key forwards, but across the board in our forward line," Walker said. "If someone's having a quiet day someone else pops up and we're able to share the load. "We just keep emphasising our ability to bring each other into the game - it's just so infectious." Comparison is the thief of joy - and for Taylor Walker, it also gets in the way of The Process. The veteran Adelaide forward is in no mood to revisit the Crows' last AFL finals campaign as their long-awaited return to September looms large. Adelaide are third with a healthy percentage. They are riding a three-game winning streak and captain Jordan Dawson re-signed this week. So life is good at West Lakes ahead of Sunday's massive home game against Gold Coast, who are sixth and also have won their last three games. Suns coach Damien Hardwick once called July "Big Boy Month" in the grind of an AFL season and Sunday is a another big test for the combatants. Walker has no time for history, with the Crows writing some special new chapters with coach Matthew Nicks. "It's unfair to compare. We're building something really special at this footy club and it's been going for a long time under Nicksy," he told AAP. In a three-minute interview, Walker repeatedly uses the word "process". It is put to him that just as any interview with a Collingwood player will feature "The System", Adelaide have "The Process". "There you go," the Adelaide big man smiles. "That's what keeps getting it done. It will all take care of itself - in life, if you stick to the process, results take care of themselves. "We just have to keep batting up and backing up in the big month ahead, against some really, really good sides." Walker also notes that below top sides Collingwood and Brisbane, there is a log jam. And while Adelaide's last five games are not the worst draw, it's not an easy run either. After the Suns they have the Showdown - and Port Adelaide would love nothing more than send off coach Ken Hinkley with one last win over their fiercest rivals. Then comes West Coast, another blockbuster against Collingwood and North Melbourne. Apart from Walker, Matt Crouch, Rory Laird, Wayne Milera, Reilly O'Brien and Brodie Smith were also at the Crows when the club was derailed by the disastrous 2017 grand-final loss to Richmond. Now the man known as "Tex" is the old man of the powerful Crows attack, with Riley Thilthorpe kicking a career-best six goals in last week's statement win over the Western Bulldogs. A feature of Sunday will be Thilthorpe v Suns defender Mac Andrew, who got in the face of the Crows star immediately after Gold Coast had a controversial one-point win at home in round four. What Walker loves about the Adelaide attack is everyone is playing their part. "They're going really well - not just the key forwards, but across the board in our forward line," Walker said. "If someone's having a quiet day someone else pops up and we're able to share the load. "We just keep emphasising our ability to bring each other into the game - it's just so infectious."
News.com.au
06-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Significant concern' for key Crows forward Josh Rachele in comeback win
Adelaide have steadied their top four credentials with a fighting 13-point comeback victory against Melbourne on Sunday, although a potentially serious injury to Josh Rachele dampened their celebrations. The Crows were at one point down by 28 points at the halfway mark of the second term, but stormed home to kick truly after half time and win 13.12 (90) to the Demons' 11.11 (77). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. It now means Melbourne have lost their last five matches and continue to flirt dangerously close with the bottom four. As for the Crows, it turns around their previously poor record against the Dees, having lost five of their last six match-ups before Round 17. Superstar Crow Izak Rankine kicked three of Adelaide's first four goals for the match, before going on to have a breakout third term that saw him register his second-ever five-goal haul at AFL level. He was aptly supported by veteran Taylor Walker, particularly in the first half, before Darcy Fogarty and Ben Keays rose to the occasion after the main break. For the Demons, stalwart Jake Melksham continued his stellar form to kick four more majors — having now kicked 9.7 in his last two matches. The hosts will be sweating on the short-term fitness of livewire Rachele, however, who went down with a suspected serious knee injury on the cusp of half time. The 22-year-old was subbed out not long after some quick boundary side testing. 'It's a significant concern for him, having had broken ribs earlier this season and now coming back and hyperextending the knee,' Fox Footy reporter David Zita said at half time. 'He didn't look to be in extraordinary pain which is a good sign at least early … eventually he got into a jog and came from the ground with the help of trainers. 'Obviously the ACL's what everyone gets scared of (but) hopefully he's avoided that.' Rachele landed awkwardly on his left leg late in the first half and coach Matthew Nicks gave little away when asked about his prognosis after the game. 'It's one that we're really mindful of not making any big statements around because we don't know,' Nicks said. 'We won't know until he has a scan, but it was enough of a concern that we had to sub him out. 'And without going into any more detail, it's going to be a scan and our fingers are crossed. 'I haven't seen him as yet, but I'd say he'd be pretty disappointed, as you can imagine. 'But we'll just hope for the best … we'll have positive thoughts.' After a first term filled with inaccurate kicking, the Demons went from registering 1.6 before quarter time to 5.1 in the second stanza to periodically blow Adelaide out of the proverbial water. Six minutes into the second quarter, the Demons had 33 disposals to the Crows' six, as Kysaiah Pickett came to life while the home side continued to kick it down the throats of Melbourne defenders going inside forward 50. And if it weren't for Rankine — who kicked three of his side's first four goals — and veteran star Walker, the margin would've been even greater. 'They (Adelaide) haven't been their usual selves with their ball use,' Mark Ricciuto said at half time. 'It's probably his best game for a long time,' 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said of Rankine after his goal assist to Zac Taylor in the third term. Rankine surged again after half time to kick goals four and five, while All-Australian contender Ben Keays once again stepped up in the big moments to ensure the Crows' 11th win came this weekend. Rankine's bag of five has him become the sixth Adelaide player this season to kick more than 20 goals. Only Geelong have five players who have kicked over 20 goals or more this season. After the final siren, it still remained unclear as to the extent of Rachele's injury — with hopes it is a hyperextension and not a rupture or tear in one of his knee's ligaments. And in a moment that was initially just as concerning, former Crow Jake Lever left the field of play with a brave face — but with similar knee worries to Rachele.
Daily Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
AFL ‘Significant concern' for key Adelaide Crows forward Josh Rachele in comeback win over Melbourne Demons
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Adelaide have steadied their top four credentials with a fighting 13-point comeback victory against Melbourne on Sunday, although a potentially serious injury to Josh Rachele dampened their celebrations. The Crows were at one point down by 28 points at the halfway mark of the second term, but stormed home to kick truly after half time and win 13.12 (90) to the Demons' 11.11 (77). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. It now means Melbourne have lost their last five matches and continue to flirt dangerously close with the bottom four. As for the Crows, it turns around their previously poor record against the Dees, having lost five of their last six match-ups before Round 17. Superstar Crow Izak Rankine kicked three of Adelaide's first four goals for the match, before going on to have a breakout third term that saw him register his second-ever five-goal haul at AFL level. Josh Rachele is held by a trainer after injuring his knee against the Demons. (Photo by) He was aptly supported by veteran Taylor Walker, particularly in the first half, before Darcy Fogarty and Ben Keays rose to the occasion after the main break. For the Demons, stalwart Jake Melksham continued his stellar form to kick four more majors — having now kicked 9.7 in his last two matches. The hosts will be sweating on the short-term fitness of livewire Rachele, however, who went down with a suspected serious knee injury on the cusp of half time. The 22-year-old was subbed out not long after some quick boundary side testing. 'It's a significant concern for him, having had broken ribs earlier this season and now coming back and hyperextending the knee,' Fox Footy reporter David Zita said at half time. Reilly O'Brien and Taylor Walker celebrate after the comeback victory. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images) 'He didn't look to be in extraordinary pain which is a good sign at least early … eventually he got into a jog and came from the ground with the help of trainers. 'Obviously the ACL's what everyone gets scared of (but) hopefully he's avoided that.' Rachele landed awkwardly on his left leg late in the first half and coach Matthew Nicks gave little away when asked about his prognosis after the game. 'It's one that we're really mindful of not making any big statements around because we don't know,' Nicks said. 'We won't know until he has a scan, but it was enough of a concern that we had to sub him out. Izak Rankine had another day out for the Crows. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Melbourne built a solid lead before the Crows came storming back. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images) 'And without going into any more detail, it's going to be a scan and our fingers are crossed. 'I haven't seen him as yet, but I'd say he'd be pretty disappointed, as you can imagine. 'But we'll just hope for the best … we'll have positive thoughts.' After a first term filled with inaccurate kicking, the Demons went from registering 1.6 before quarter time to 5.1 in the second stanza to periodically blow Adelaide out of the proverbial water. Six minutes into the second quarter, the Demons had 33 disposals to the Crows' six, as Kysaiah Pickett came to life while the home side continued to kick it down the throats of Melbourne defenders going inside forward 50. And if it weren't for Rankine — who kicked three of his side's first four goals — and veteran star Walker, the margin would've been even greater. 'They (Adelaide) haven't been their usual selves with their ball use,' Mark Ricciuto said at half time. 'It's probably his best game for a long time,' 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said of Rankine after his goal assist to Zac Taylor in the third term. Rankine surged again after half time to kick goals four and five, while All-Australian contender Ben Keays once again stepped up in the big moments to ensure the Crows' 11th win came this weekend. Rankine's bag of five has him become the sixth Adelaide player this season to kick more than 20 goals. Only Geelong have five players who have kicked over 20 goals or more this season. After the final siren, it still remained unclear as to the extent of Rachele's injury — with hopes it is a hyperextension and not a rupture or tear in one of his knee's ligaments. And in a moment that was initially just as concerning, former Crow Jake Lever left the field of play with a brave face — but with similar knee worries to Rachele. Originally published as 'Significant concern' for key Crows forward Josh Rachele in comeback win
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy star Taylor Walker reveals the devastating three-word phone call he received at 4.45am when AFL coach Phil Walsh was stabbed to death by his son
A decade ago, Adelaide captain Taylor Walker reluctantly answered his phone at 4.45am. 'Phil's been murdered,' Walker was told by Crows chief executive Andrew Fagan. Patrick Dangerfield then answered a knock on his Adelaide door at 5.30am. 'Phil's dead,' Dangerfield, then a star Crow, was told by the club's football manager David Noble. 'For that day and for the next few days I didn't cry,' Dangerfield has previously said. 'It was just total and utter disbelief... you couldn't comprehend it.' Ten years later, the AFL cohort in Adelaide are treading a fine line around Phil Walsh, who was stabbed to death by his son Cy 10 years ago today. How best to acknowledge Walsh without creating further pain for his family? No-one quite knows. Just as no-one quite knew 10 years ago how to handle the death of the 55-year-old who was in the midst of his first season as the Crows' head coach. 'It was a big washing machine for the next week,' Walker has said of the emotional fallout at the time. Walsh had joined the Crows from arch-rivals Port Adelaide, where in 2014 he was an assistant coach under Ken Hinkley. 'His knowledge and his love of the game was real,' Hinkley said this week. 'It's just a tragedy, obviously everyone knows that, with what happened. 'But there's a time when you reflect on the knowledge and the brilliance of his mind, which was amazing from a football sense.' Forever in our hearts, Walshy 🤍 — Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 2, 2025 Walsh's renowned intensity left an imprint on all. 'His game-day stuff, like his intensity and his willingness to try and win everything and make sure his team was so prepared,' Hinkley said. 'The players who would have played under Phil would say there was no stone unturned when it came to being ready to play football. 'His footy knowledge... (there was) no-one better.' As a player, Walsh featured in 122 VFL/AFL games for Richmond, Collingwood and Brisbane from 1983-1990. In 2014 under Hinkley, Walsh was in his second stint as a Power assistant - he also held the role from 1999-2008. Walsh filled the same job at West Coast from 2009-13 before returning to South Australia. When Adelaide sacked Brenton Sanderson as coach in September 2014, the Crows powerbroker and playing great Mark Ricciuto sought out Walsh. 'I feel like I have been robbed,' Ricciuto wrote in an open letter published five days after Walsh's death. 'In fact, we have all been robbed. (Walsh's wife) Meredith, (daughter) Quinn and the family and their friends, I'm sure, are all feeling the same. 'Why robbed? Because I think the Phil Walsh story was going to end as a fairytale. 'I could see him one day being a premiership coach... and I do not say it lightly.'
