Tex Walker announces retirement from AFL

Taylor Walker, a revered Adelaide Crows player, has announced his retirement from the AFL at the close of the 2026 season. Debuting in 2009, Walker has made 316 appearances and scored an impressive 706 goals for his club. The Crows will face Perth next Friday in a high-stakes match, followed by a showdown against GWS in the final round of the home and away season at Adelaide Oval.

Walker expressed his desire to conclude his career as a champion, vowing to secure a premiership cup or medallion by season's end. The 36-year-old, fondly known as Tex, admitted that the decision to retire was undoubtedly the most challenging of his life. He stated that he knew it was time for him and the football club to part ways, ideally with a trophy in hand.

Walker's tenure reached its pinnacle in 2017 when he guided the Crows to their most recent grand final appearance. He has also been honored twice as the AFL Players Association Best Captain in 2016 and 2017. Despite this, Walker faced a low point in his career when he was fined and suspended for using a racial slur in 2021. He acknowledged this as the one regret he harbors, emphasizing that his mistake had far-reaching impacts beyond himself.

Walker cherishes his hometown of Broken Hill, his birthplace, where he has always passionately supported the Adelaide footy club. He expressed his intention to play and win a premiership back in Broken Hill in the upcoming year. Currently, Adelaide occupies the fifth position on the AFL ladder, sharing points with fourth-placed Brisbane on percentage.