Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has provided an update on suspended forward Taylor Walker, revealing that the 31-year-old is a chance to return for the Crows' Round 4 match against Essendon.
Walker hasn't played yet in 2022 after being handed a six-week suspension last year after making a racist comment during a SANFL match. The star forward will be available for selection in Round 4.
Speaking to SEN's Crunch Time, Nicks revealed that Walker has been training well but that the Crows are hesitant to name the former captain given his lack of match time.
โYes, it is (possible that heโll play in Round 4),โ Nicks said on SEN Crunch Time.
โWeโve had a lot of talks (about this)โฆ The issue we have is he hasnโt played any footy, so not being able to do any practice matches, there is a match fitness you just canโt get other from playing matches.
โBut Iโve watched him train and I think heโs doing everything he can to make a statement.
โI think heโs really disappointed that he hasnโt been able to play, as we all are, and so I just havenโt seen anyone train like he has.
โHis lungs have burned, heโs worked so hard.โ
Walker played 17 games for the Crows last season and kicked 48 goals, his highest tally since 2017.
โWhat he (Walker) gives to us from an on-field leadership point of view is invaluable as well, so weโre going to have a look at that,โ Nicks added.
โItโs great, what a great challenge for us now, to be looking at selection and struggling to take someone out.
โThatโs where you want to be.
โWe had a performance at SANFL level that weโre really proud of, the guys had a really good hit out, weโve got guys stepping up who want to play at the highest level.
โThis is what brings success when your entire group of 44 are playing good footy.โ
