Tex just one of six Crow targets

Taylor Walker has been a standout for the Adelaide Crows on the track this pre-season. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

CROWS fans may want to hold off on loading up on Taylor Walker for the Coleman Medal because of Adelaide's determination to keep an unpredictable forward line this season.

Walker (63 goals) was one of four Crows - along with Kurt Tippett (39), Ian Callinan (39) and Jason Porplyzia (30) - to pass the 30-goal mark last season, giving Adelaide the most balanced forward line in the competition outside of Hawthorn (five with 30-plus).

Adelaide forward coach Mark Bickley said it was essential a similar balance was maintained this season, even if it meant Walker - who is in peak physical condition - had to make some sacrifices.

"Our efficiency was number one or number two in the competition (because) we had a really even spread of goalkickers," Bickley said.

"If we try and isolate Taylor and every entry that goes in our forward 50 goes to him, yeah, he'll probably kick us 70 or 80 goals.

"But we'll also become very predictable to the opposition and they can drop extra numbers back and make it very difficult.

"We need to make sure we provide plenty of options for our midfielders."

Walker is paying $5.50 with Sportsbet to take home the league's leading goalkicker award (Lance Franklin is favourite at $3.25).

"I don't really care too much if Taylor kicks 25 goals; if we're winning it means we're doing something right," he said.

"I can assure you it won't be all about Taylor Walker this year and he certainly knows that as well.

"He's one of six guys in our forward line and it's more about us kicking a winning score than him kicking a massive bag of goals.

"Taylor is a very selfless player. He showed in the preliminary final last year he is prepared to play a different role."

The Crows hope to have small forward Jared Petrenko (shoulder) available close to the start of the season, but will give Brad Crouch, Sam Kerridge and Tim McIntyre a chance to show their wares during the NAB Cup.

They also plan to develop Patrick Dangerfield more as a forward this season.
 

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