Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has inked a new deal to remain at the Crows until the end of the 2018 AFL season.

Walker was to have come off contract after next season and qualify for free agency.

But the 24-year-old on Tuesday announced he had recommitted to the Crows.

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

“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.”

Adelaide’s new head coach Phil Walsh has hailed the re-signing of the key attacker, who has kicked 197 goals in 84 AFL games.

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