OK, whinge time ... how about actually reporting on the match Scott Walsh? ... disgraceful
Birthday boy Taylor Walker kicks three goals in strong return, despite Adelaide’s 37-point loss to Glenelg
SCOTT WALSH THE ADVERTISER APRIL 25, 2014 11:06PM
THE knee’s good, the hands still work and the goalkicking boot, well, it’s as trusty as ever.
Taylor Walker’s return to football passed with flying colours last night as the Adelaide forward booted three goals for the Crows’ reserves against Glenelg in an extended comeback that lasted until midway through the final term at Gliderol Stadium.
The only thing missing in Adelaide’s 37-point loss to the Tigers was singing the song - but, under the watchful eye of coach Brenton Sanderson and virtually the entire Adelaide playing list and football department, Walker’s comeback was never about competition points.
It was about getting through.
And the Broken Hill boy, on his 24th birthday, ticked every possible box despite unexpected drizzle that lasted most of the game.
The final tally was 12 disposals, 10 of them kicks, for 3.3 with six marks, a tackle and three inside-50s.
Playing without a brace or any strapping on the rebuilt right knee he injured 363 days earlier, Walker was strong and certain on his feet.
The star forward played with total confidence as he kicked a goal in the opening quarter and two more when the Crows mounted a third-term charge.
It took just seven minutes for Walker to announce he was officially back. His first major came on a breaking lead that he marked and converted from 40m.
He missed another set shot eight minutes later but soon passed a major test when he gathered, stopped, changed direction and snapped on his left boot.
The shot missed, but the knee held tight.
There were a few scares - Walker almost ran head-first into the Adelaide dugout after marking inside the boundary line, then sent Glenelg players flying like tenpins at another marking contest on the wing.
Having played more time than the half most had expected, Walker was eventually put on ice in the final term when the game was beyond Adelaide’s reach