NSW/ACT Player of the Week: Taylor Walker

But the Adelaide Crows cult-figure deserves much more recognition as he enjoys a career-best season in a powerful forward duo that has led his side from 14^th place last year to second spot on the AFL ladder.

Signed to the Crows at just 16 through the NSW Scholarship Program, Broken Hill-born Walker stayed at home, playing for North Broken Hill and leading them to the 2007 Broken Hill Football League Premiership with a seven goal haul.

He moved to Adelaide after being formally selected in the 2007 AFL Draft but spent his first season playing for Norwood in the SANFL, kicking 56 goals for the season including seven in an elimination final win over rivals Port Adelaide.

Walker made his much-anticipated debut in Round 1, 2009, teaming up with fellow young gun Kurt Tippett and earning a Rising Star nomination with five goals against Hawthorn in Round 10.

Question marks over his fitness and work ethic meant Walker was in and out of the Crows side, playing 45 games over his first three seasons with media speculation strongly linking him with the new Greater Western Sydney team.

But Walker signed on with Adelaide at the end of 2011 and, under new coach Brenton Sanderson, has developed into one of AFL’s best forwards in an intimidating partnership with Tippett.

Though suspended twice for sling tackles, Walker has been kicking goals all season and was leading the Coleman Medal race after Round 8.

His newfound defensive acts, intimidating style and strong leadership have made Walker one of the Crows’ most important players and 53 goals in 16 games means he is a key component in their push for the Premiership.

Walker will return from minor injury to play his first AFL final this weekend against the Swans and if his 2012 form is anything to go by, the mullet man will be a tough man to stop.

TAYLOR WALKER