Adelaide’s decision to manage star forward Taylor Walker for Saturday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium has come under question.
With the Bulldogs currently sitting 6th and the Crows 8th, the result of Saturday’s clash in Ballarat could have a big say in whether the sides can compete for a top four spot.
Given Walker has kicked Adelaide’s most goals with 23 this year, five ahead of Izak Rankine on 18, Kane Cornes questioned the club’s decision to rest the veteran for such a crucial game.
He and David King discussed whether Adelaide might the right call at the selection table on SEN Breakfast.
Cornes: “Why would Adelaide have rested Taylor Walker? I want to put that on the agenda.
“Now he may have an injury, but they've said (he’s out to) rest and he looked pretty good with five goals last week.
“Riley Thilthorpe is out, they play the Western Bulldogs.
“They're going well, Adelaide but their win-loss (record) isn't to a point where you can start resting players, well not important ones like Walker.”
King: “So, when do you (rest him)?”
Cornes: “Well, I would have thought they've got a bye in four weeks, but they play Gold Coast and West Coast before the bye.
“The next two weeks they’ve got the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane, they're going to have to win one of those if they want top four and you're not winning the premiership outside the top four.
“So, it was a strange call and once again, he may have a sore calf and they're just trying to hide that. So, I get all of that.
“But if it is a genuine rest for Taylor Walker, which they've been discussing for some weeks, it was a surprising week to do it.”
King: “I think this is why Mars Stadium is terrific for the Dogs, because you get a team that has to fly in and then bus to Ballarat, it's going to be cold.
“So, if there's any little asterisk on any player, you're taking the conservative approach and I think it's wise to do it.
“Taylor Walker has become so important to the Adelaide Crows, it's not funny.
“There's no way they would have thought that he would swing games like he has at this stage of his career.
“I think it's wise to rest him this week and just ensure that you're not risking him in a cold environment.”
Cornes: “Can they win without him?”
King: “Yeah, I think so.
“I think they're winning games on ball movement rather than individual talent just ripping the heart out of the opposition.”
The bounce for Saturday’s clash in Ballarat is set for 2.10pm (AEST).