Former Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker will wait until the second half of the season for any new deal that might be offered to him after a strong start to 2023.
The notion of waiting until after the bye to lockdown his future at West Lakes is not a new one for Walker, with the Crows' all-time leading goalscorer going through an identical process last year.
Yet, with Adelaide emerging in 2023 off the back of performances from youngsters and imports, the dimensions ahead of the club's list management team remain different from this stage last season.
After acquiring the likes of Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine via the trade period, Adelaide's list has begun to take shape nicely, complemented by the good form of a number of high draft picks. For his part, Walker has rejuvenated his career in recent years and appears keen to continue into 2024.
The key forward has kicked seven goals in the past two weeks and now averages two goals a game in season 2023 after kicking 48 goals in 2021 and 47 in 2022. The 32-year-old still has plenty left in the tank and looks well on track to play into a 15th season in the AFL.
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According to News Corp reports, both Walker himself and the club are happy to put off talks on a new deal until after the mid-season bye, allowing the club to focus on retaining younger players and prioritising cap space for any free agents or trade options.
The Crows are reportedly monitoring South Australian native Mason Redman who is in career-best form at the Bombers, as well as versatile GWS star Harrison Himmelberg. They are undoubtedly very keen to continue to add quality experience to their list to couple their emerging talent.
The recent form of high draft picks Chayce Jones, Wayne Milera and Max Michalanney are all encouraging signs for Adelaide, most notably in their demolition of Carlton to kick off Gather Round last week.
An in-form and motivated Taylor Walker would be the icing on the cake for a club that is building back towards September action.