The question about whether banned former Adelaide captain Taylor Walker would keep playing after a racism scandal has been answered.
Former Adelaide captain Taylor Walker is “determined” to get back to the club and list manager Justin Reid declared the veteran forward would be at the AFL club next season.
Walker’s 2021 season came to an abrupt end in August when he was suspended for a racial slur against North Adelaide player Robbie Young.
He missed the Crows’ last three matches of 2021 and will sit out a further three in 2022 after being given a six-match suspension and making a public apology to Young.
Walker, 31, is contracted for 2022 but had been contemplating his future.
Earlier this month, coach Matthew Nicks said he “really” wants Adelaide’s all-time leading goal-kicker to play on next year.
Reid said the club expects that to be the case and Walker should turn up when pre-season training begins.
“It certainly wasn’t the greatest ending (to the season) and is something we need to work through as a club,” Reid told Trade Radio on Wednesday.
“We’ll continue to support not just Tex (Walker), but the whole playing group and the wider community, and I know that’s something Tex is really focused on.
“He’s someone I check in on, on a fortnightly basis, and he’ll be playing at the Adelaide Football Club next year.”
Walker was enjoying a stunning career resurgence in 2021, kicking 48 goals in 17 matches this year before his suspension.
An AFL investigation led to the six-match ban and an “ashamed, embarrassed and remorseful” Walker made an emotional apology.
Reid said Walker was determined to make amends in 2022.
“He’s determined to get inside the four walls and go about his business,” Reid said.
“He‘s about improving and so are we as a football club where we sit at the moment.
“There’s plenty of work to be done.”
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