Taylor Walker, one of the AFL’s most dynamic forwards, has shown quite a turnaround over the past year. That return comes after a 2021 incident involving a traffic stop that almost ruined his career and life as he knew it. The Adelaide Crows’ forward faced severe backlash after an infamous event involving teammate Robbie Young, which sparked widespread discussion about accountability and personal growth within the sport.
In an unusual twist, after the 2021 incident, Walker’s career was the one in jeopardy. Most thought it would truly be the beginning of the end of his AFL career. Unlike many of his peers, he went the extra mile by actively participating in leadership training and educational programs focused on nurturing his own growth. Through these efforts, Walker has sought to address the consequences of his actions and their impact on those around him.
Since then, Walker’s been able to largely vindicate that move, having firmly re-asserted himself as a veteran leader for the Adelaide community and in the wider AFL landscape. His recent performances are the best of his nascent career, revealing an incredible sense of resilience and drive to be better.
In April of this year, during a television interview on Nine, Walker reflected on the incident, stating, “I made a mistake, and one that I’ve got to live with for the rest of my life.” His honest, straight-shootin admission of firey mistakes past struck a chord with supporters & skeptics among his millions of fans.
Few skeptics would go as far as to echo Walker’s largely unchallenged narrative. In that same interview, other viewers interpreted him as the true victim. They perceived that he was not totally accepting of responsibility for the abuse he inflicted on Young. This perspective has been particularly voiced by members of the South Australian Indigenous community, including Caroline Wilson, who commented on the situation:
“A lot of Wanganeen-Milera’s friends remain irked that Walker… was painted somewhat as a victim.” – Caroline Wilson
The fallout from this incident is still being felt in relationships within the AFL community. Young, who was tragically left a paraplegic due to Walker’s attack, was given large support from the Adelaide club after the incident. We hoped that we could help him process the emotional and physical consequences of what had occurred.
As the chatter around Walker’s redemption grows, one of his potential teammates on the Sainters, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, speaks out. He is worried that Walker’s history could affect his own career. Media reports suggest Wanganeen-Milera will ask for a trade from the end of the 2025 AFL season. If he wants to, an Adelaide teammate wouldn’t allow him to join the Adelaide Crows.
The layered and multi-faceted nature of such cases leaves room for different narratives to emerge. Though Walker is now most concerned with his continued journey of personal growth and the need to learn from mistakes not just be ashamed of them.
“My understanding is that if Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera does leave St Kilda — and that’s not certain… he won’t be going to the Adelaide Football Club.” – Caroline Wilson
Walker has had a challenging road, his work towards overcoming his past has begun to pay off. His journey and ongoing impact both in sports and accountability’s broader journey through the society at large. Discussions of representation and justice remain vibrant within AFL communities. One thing is certain — there are deep wounds that need healing.
“But I suppose, when you make mistakes, you get a choice whether you look at it as: you can dwell on it, or you can learn about it.” – Taylor Walker
Despite the challenges he faced, Walker’s efforts in addressing his past have not gone unnoticed. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in sports and society at large. Nonetheless, as conversations about representation and justice continue within AFL circles, it remains clear that there are still wounds to heal.
