Tex Walker Set to Play On in 2026: Adelaide’s Veteran Forward Signs Extension Amid Debate
The Adelaide Crows have confirmed that veteran forward Taylor “Tex” Walker will extend his storied AFL career into the 2026 season. The 35-year-old club icon, who has been a central figure in Adelaide’s forward line for more than a decade, is set to sign a fresh one-year deal, ensuring his presence both on and off the field for at least one more year.
A Beloved Figure Continues
Walker’s decision to go around again reflects not just his enduring passion for the game, but also Adelaide’s ongoing faith in what he can offer. The deal comes after weeks of speculation about whether 2025 would mark his final season. For a player who has seen the highs and lows of Crows football — from minor premierships and grand finals to seasons of rebuilding — the extension is a significant moment for the club’s culture and leadership.
While Walker’s output has naturally shifted with age, his influence inside Adelaide Oval remains undeniable. Supporters still rise when the ball is in his hands, and his presence is a vital emotional anchor for younger teammates learning to shoulder AFL pressure. His connection with the fan base, coupled with his mentoring of emerging forwards, has been cited as a key reason for his re-signing.
Role Evolution
Reports suggest that Walker’s 2026 role will be more carefully managed. Adelaide is believed to be preparing a reduced game load, balancing the need to keep him fresh while allowing younger talents such as Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe to take greater responsibility up front. Sources close to the club indicate that Walker could even spend some time in the SANFL as part of a flexible roster approach, a possibility that acknowledges the changing demands on an ageing player while keeping his wisdom in the system.
The shift highlights Adelaide’s delicate balancing act: respecting the service and contribution of a club great while prioritising the long-term growth of a forward line that must carry the team into the future.
Critics Weigh In
Not everyone has been convinced by the Crows’ decision. Former Port Adelaide player turned media commentator Kane Cornes has been particularly outspoken, suggesting that Adelaide risks holding back its younger forwards by persisting with Walker. Cornes has argued that maintaining a forward line featuring Walker, Fogarty, and Thilthorpe simultaneously may stretch team balance, especially against quicker, more versatile AFL defences.
Cornes also aimed criticism at Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks, questioning whether he possesses the ruthlessness needed to limit Walker’s minutes or relegate him to the SANFL if form declines. According to Cornes, the club’s emotional attachment to Walker may cloud its judgement, leaving difficult but necessary calls unmade.
The Club’s Perspective
From the Crows’ point of view, however, the benefits of retaining Walker appear clear. Beyond his on-field contributions, Walker remains a cultural cornerstone. Club officials have stressed the importance of his mentorship for younger forwards and the example he sets in training standards, preparation, and composure under pressure.
Crows CEO Tim Silvers recently reiterated that the club is committed to building a squad capable of contending for a premiership in the coming seasons. To that end, Adelaide is pursuing an aggressive trade and recruiting strategy. Having a seasoned campaigner like Walker on hand to guide an evolving forward mix fits neatly into that long-term vision.
Legacy and Loyalty
Walker’s career has been defined by loyalty to Adelaide. Since making his debut in 2009, he has racked up hundreds of games, led the club as captain during challenging periods, and become one of the most prolific goal kickers in Crows history. Few players have embodied the spirit of the club as completely, and his decision to push on for another year reflects the enduring bond between player and club.
That loyalty is reciprocated by the supporters. For many in the Crows Army, the idea of Walker in another guernsey is unthinkable. His re-signing is therefore not just about football pragmatism but also about maintaining the heartbeat of Adelaide’s identity.
The Bigger Picture
Adelaide enters 2026 with both opportunity and pressure. After finishing as minor premiers in 2025 but exiting the finals in straight sets, the club faces scrutiny over its ability to convert regular season dominance into September success. Walker’s presence adds experience to a team still learning how to navigate the toughest stages of the competition.
Yet questions linger: can Adelaide strike the right balance between experience and renewal? Will Walker’s reduced role empower the younger generation to thrive, or will it slow their development?
The answer may depend on how flexible the club proves to be. If Walker can seamlessly transition into a hybrid role — part player, part mentor — his value could be immense. But if his inclusion blocks the growth of the forward line’s future stars, Adelaide could find itself caught between honouring the past and investing in the future.
Looking Ahead
For now, though, Crows fans can celebrate the certainty that one of their favourites will run out again in 2026. Whether it is in front of a packed Adelaide Oval or in mentoring sessions at training, Taylor Walker’s presence guarantees passion, experience, and a sense of continuity as the club chases success.
As the AFL trade period heats up and Adelaide pursues new recruits, the decision to keep Walker underscores the balance clubs must strike between nostalgia and necessity. For the Crows, it appears the value of Walker’s leadership, charisma, and influence outweighs any concerns about age.
One thing is certain: when Tex lines up for goal in 2026, the roar of the Crows faithful will remind everyone why his story still matters in Adelaide.
About the Author
