Crows fly along Walsh’s path: Walker

The Adelaide Crows have pledged to continue along the path deceased coach Phil Walsh set for them, says captain Taylor Walker.

Walker says the Crows, who meet the Western Bulldogs in an MCG elimination final on Saturday night, remain driven by the messages of former head coach Walsh, who was allegedly murdered by his son Cy on July 3.

“We have been able to continue what we spoke about day one when Phil came on and that was buying into team-first and continuing elite standards,” Walker told reporters on Monday.

“We have been able to do that throughout the season and we have got to stick to that throughout the finals.”

Walker said Adelaide’s interim coach Scott Camporeale, who remains coy on whether he wants to pitch for the full-time job next season, had stuck with Walsh’s philosophy.

“When you lose your head coach, everyone else around you has to step up whether it is coaches or players, and Campo has been able to do that,” Walker said.

“Walshy put in philosophies and a game plan that Campo has had to just come in and continue that on, and he has brought a bit of energy along the way.”

Camporeale, who has led the Crows to six wins and three losses since taking over, said he is excited by the prospect of finals.

“Why wouldn’t you (be),” Camporeale told reporters on Monday.

“It has been an unbelievable year, really, on and off the field.

“After what has happened, to be able to get to the point where we are at … I’m really proud of them, that they have been able to galvanise themselves.”

Camporeale said All Australian defender Brodie Smith was expected to overcome an ankle injury and play against the Bulldogs.

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