Adelaide Crows captain Taylor Walker has entered elite company by winning the AFLPA Best Captain Award for 2017, presented by KIESER, his second in as many years.
Walker joins an exclusive club of multiple winners that includes the likes of Wayne Carey, Michael Voss, Mark Ricciuto and Jonathon Brown.
The 27-year-old’s outstanding leadership has been recognised by the 2017 playing group, rewarding him with his second consecutive Best Captain Award, nudging out Sydney skipper Josh Kennedy by 15 votes, with Geelong captain Joel Selwood rounding out the top three.
The Crows have participated in September action in each of Walker’s three seasons as captain, including the minor premiership in 2017. He was appointed in place of Nathan Van Berlo before the 2015 season.
Captain Walker leads by example on and off the field, with his ferocious attitude and efficiency with ball in hand become trademark characteristics for the Adelaide skipper.
Fiery pre-match speeches and asking tough questions of his teammates have become famous around the league and no one knows that better than teammate, Rory Sloane.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen different stages where Tex has stood up in big games,” Sloane told AFLPlayers.com.au.
“His ability to lead in critical moments is one of his best attributes.”
The caring 151-gamer is the heart and soul of the Crows and beat an esteemed field of leaders to be crowned 2017’s best, including the likes of 2015 winner Bob Murphy and Jarryd Roughead. Walker was also chosen ahead of Nick Riewoldt and Luke Hodge in 2016.
2017 Best Captain Votes
1) Taylor Walker — 140 votes
2) Josh P Kennedy — 125 votes
3) Joel Selwood — 100 votes
4) Jarryd Roughead — 87 votes
5) Bob Murphy — 46 votes
The AFLPA are thrilled to announce a new partnership with KIESER. Established in Melbourne in 2006, Kieser Australia is a network of integrated physiotherapy, rehabilitation and strength training centres predicated on founder Werner Kiesers’ concept and the core principle of ‘Strength for Health’. Kieser is a new and exciting concept in the Australian health sector and the AFLPA members are looking forward to utilising Kieser’s services.