Adelaide Crows champion Taylor "Tex" Walker has announced that the 2026 AFL season will be his last, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary career at the highest level.

The 36-year-old forward revealed that deciding to retire at the end of the year was "probably the hardest" decision of his life, but he insisted the timing is right for both himself and the club. He emphasized his desire to go out on a high, ideally hoisting the premiership cup.

"I knew it was the right time for me and the football club that I retire at the end of the year, hopefully with a premiership cup or a medallion around my neck," Walker said. "I don't want to be that player that goes that extra year or probably outstays their welcome."

A Storied Legacy in the City of Churches

Drafted by Adelaide in 2007, Walker debuted in 2009 and has since established himself as one of the club's greatest-ever figures. Across 316 senior matches, he has kicked a franchise-record 706 goals.

Walker captained the Crows from 2015 to 2019, earning consecutive AFL Players Association Best Captain honors in 2016 and 2017. He also led the side to their last Grand Final appearance in 2017.

Reflecting on his longevity, Walker admitted he has been playing with a sense of urgency for some time. "The closer I've got to the end, it's probably become a little bit more evident that it might be this year, but I've sort of treated it like my last year for the past six years," he remarked.

Addressing the Challenges and Growth

Walker's career has not been without controversy. When asked about his 2021 suspension and fine for using a racial slur, the veteran was candid about his regrets and the lessons he took from the incident.

He described the controversy as the "one thing I wish never happened."

"That was an incredibly difficult time for my family and I, and I suppose the biggest thing I learnt was that words don't just hurt one person, they can hurt so many different people, and I feel like I'm a better person for that mistake that I made," Walker said.

The Final Push and a Return to Roots

With the home-and-away season drawing to a close, Walker’s focus is locked on helping the Crows secure a deep finals run. Adelaide currently sits fifth on the AFL ladder, level on points with fourth-placed Brisbane, meaning a top-four finish is well within reach.

The Crows face a grueling road ahead, starting with a Friday night blockbuster against league-leaders Fremantle in Perth, before returning to Adelaide Oval to host Greater Western Sydney in the final round.

Once his AFL chapter officially closes, Walker has his sights set on returning to where his football journey began. He expressed a strong desire to pull on the boots in his hometown of Broken Hill next year.

"I grew up barracking for the Adelaide footy club. It was my dream. I had Crows posters all through my room as a little kid," he said. "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."