Taylor Walker has quit as Adelaide’s co-captain in a bid to rekindle his enjoyment of the AFL.
Walker also cited spending more time with family as a reason for relinquishing the leadership role he held for the past five years.
Walker shared the Crows’ captaincy with Rory Sloane this year after being sole leader the previous four seasons.
“It has been a great privilege to lead this club for the last five years, through some great times and some very sad and challenging times,” Walker said in a statement on Wednesday.
“These times have made me realise what’s really important in my life – family, mateship and making the most of the time we have in the game we all love.
“I have made the decision to stand down so I can focus on enjoying my footy and spending time with my family.”
Walker was asked to become captain by then-coach Phil Walsh in 2014 – he initially declined, before accepting.
Walsh was killed in the middle of that season by his son Cy, who was later found not guilty of murder by reason of mental incompetence.
“When Walshy come (sic) to me and said I want you to lead this group, I’ll be honest, I said no,” Walker said.
“What a silly answer that was, because this club means so much to me.
“The role has helped me grow, mature, learn and seek to understand others’ views but most of all I’ve enjoyed the challenge.”
Walker’s decision comes amid external and internal reviews at the Crows following missing the finals in consecutive seasons after being losing grand finalists in 2017.
Walker, who was twice voted by AFL playing peers as the best captain in the competition, said Adelaide had just endured one of its most challenging seasons.
“This year has been one of the toughest,” he said.
“We owe it to ourselves and the fans and members to get this club back to where it belongs and that’s playing finals footy every year.”
Adelaide coach Don Pyke said he respected Walker’s reasons for stepping down.
“Taylor has been a great leader who has helped and inspired his team mates, coaches and staff,” Pyke said in a statement.
“He has also been a tremendous support to me as senior coach and not only shown genuine care for all of those inside the club but also the wider community with some of his charity work.
“He will continue to offer advice and play a key role in developing our next generation of leaders.”
Sloane is tipped to remain as captain next season with current vice-captain Matt Crouch likely to share the role should the club continue with the co-captaincy model.