Adelaide Crows Legend Taylor Walker Retires, Eyes Dream Return to Broken Hill Footy

AFL legend Taylor Walker has announced his retirement from the Adelaide Crows after an illustrious 19-season career, but his football journey may not be over just yet. The 36-year-old plans to return to his outback home of Broken Hill in New South Wales with hopes of securing one more premiership with the local club that shaped him.

"I've said to my two best mates that are still playing back in Broken Hill that I want to go and try and win a premiership back there, so we'll try and do that next year," Walker revealed during his retirement announcement on Monday.

A Promise to Local Mates

One of those close friends, Jayden Kelly, who played junior football alongside Walker, is eager to hold the AFL star to his word. Kelly, who still plays local football in the region, expressed hope that Walker's return will become a reality.

"He has mentioned it once or twice that he would love to [come back]. So there's myself and a couple of his close mates that are just hanging on and still playing local footy back here," Kelly said.

Walker is already familiar with local triumph. Back in 2007, as a self-described "skinny kid from Broken Hill," the then 17-year-old helped guide the North Broken Hill Bulldogs to a premiership victory.

An Inspiration for Outback Youth

Beyond his on-field achievements, Walker's legacy in the community remains a powerful point of pride. According to Kelly, the star's career serves as an inspiring example of what regional players can achieve.

"He's really put us on the map," Kelly remarked. "He's shown young kids in Broken Hill, if they put their mind to it and by working hard, what they can achieve."

Kelly recalled how "unreal" it felt to see a local boy drafted to his childhood dream team. "Being able to go and live out a childhood dream; he supported the crows growing up and had all the Tony Modra posters all over his wall," Kelly said. "He loved everything Crows and when he got the phone call that they were interested ... he was over the moon."

Deep Roots and Lasting Loyalty

Walker's father, Wayne Walker, who still resides in the outback town, expressed deep admiration for his son's character, particularly his strong bonds with family, the Adelaide Crows, and the club's supporters.

"He's always never forgotten where he come from. His mates are so dear to him, it's not funny, they keep him grounded," his father said. "That's probably one thing he has been, he's been very grounded during the whole 19 years."

Kelly echoed these sentiments, highlighting the player's unwavering connection to his home. "He's had so many ups and downs, the resilience he has shown, and he's never forgotten where he's come from," Kelly noted.

"He's so loyal to the people around him, to his family, and to the town that he grew up in." Kelly added, "A lot of people that move away from their home towns seem to forget, but that's one thing he's never forgotten, is where he's from."