Following an incredible one-club career involving more than 300 games and 700 goals, the 36-year-old spearhead announced on Monday that he is bowing out at the conclusion of his 19th season.
Walker was selected by Adelaide in the 2007 draft after being granted the club's first AFL NSW Scholarship, a program intended to extract the best footballing talent out of rugby league territory.
It didn't take him long to become a key asset for the Crows, booting 63 goals in his fourth season at the club and winning the first of seven club goalkicking awards.
Walker was chosen as the AFL Players’ Association's 'Best Captain' in both 2016 and 2017 and won an All-Australian honour in 2023 for a career-best 76 goals, five goals behind Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow.
“As a young kid from Broken Hill, I dreamed about one day playing for the Crows and I’m so grateful to have been able to live that life,” Walker said on Monday.
“I've shared the journey with so many great teammates, coaches and staff, as well as my family and friends, and I'm incredibly thankful for the role they've played in my career.
“To our members and supporters, thank you for riding every high and low with me, and your unwavering support is one of the reasons this Club is such a special place.
“I’m going to leave the game with a great deal of pride, gratitude and a lifetime of memories, not to mention an ongoing sense of belonging to the Crows community.”
The departing great was described by head coach Matthew Nicks as someone who "stood tall" through both the best and worst times of his 19 years at the club.
“Everyone sees the goals and big moments but those who have worked closely with Tex know the care he has for his teammates, our coaches and staff, and the Club,” Nicks said. “He’s someone who led through actions as much as words."
Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers declared Walker "will leave the game as one of the greatest players to have pulled on the Crows jumper."
The club will formally honour Walker's career when they host the GWS Giants in Round 24, though it's unlikely to be his final home appearance for the side, who are in fifth place on the AFL ladder with two rounds to go.
The Crows are just 0.25 percentage points behind fourth-placed Brisbane, leaving them in the hunt for a double chance or a home elimination final.
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
