Taylor Walker will remain a Crow until at least the end of 2018 after signing a contract extension.

Walker, 24, was already contracted for next season and has agreed to extend his stay at the club he grew up supporting by a further three years.

“I love the Club and in particular this playing group, and have great confidence about the future,” Walker said.

“My best footy is definitely ahead of me and I start this pre-season in great shape.

“This announcement has been in the pipeline for a long time, and I am pleased to have it sorted so I can concentrate on my footy.”

Recruited through the NSW Scholarship program, Walker has played 84 games since making his AFL debut against Collingwood in Round One, 2009. The forward has kicked 197 goals, ranked seventh all-time at Adelaide. He topped the Club’s goalkicking in both 2011 and 2012.

Senior Coach Phil Walsh described Walker as player of immense talent both on and off the field.

“Taylor is a genuine team-first player who has a positive impact on the playing group,” Walsh said.

“I look forward to seeing him grow as footballer, leader and person.”

Walker made a successful return from a serious knee injury in 2014. The atmosphere at Adelaide Oval was electric when the Broken Hill product made his long-awaited AFL comeback against the Magpies on a Thursday night in Round Nine.

Walker played the next 14 games in succession, kicking 34 goals including a season-high six against the Brisbane Lions to finish third in Adelaide’s goalkicking. He kicked multiple goals in 11 of his 15 games. The skilful goalkicker also averaged a career-high 14.7 disposals and 1.7 score assists – ranked fourth in the AFL. He was also third at Adelaide in contested marks (23).

In another reflection of Walker’s standing at Adelaide, he was elevated to the senior leadership group before the start of the 2014 season despite having spent nearly 12 months on the sidelines. The popular Crow received the Best Team Man award at the Crows Club Champion presentation.

Head of Football David Noble said Walker’s contract extension was significant in terms of the profile of the Club’s playing list.

“We have seen Taylor flourish in the last few seasons and he has done so in the face of adversity,” Noble said.

“The length of his new contract reflects his status within the playing group, while highlighting the faith he has in our Club’s direction.”