The Adelaide Crows have announced Tex Walker will again captain the club in 2017, headlining a new look leadership group.

Walker will lead the club for a third consecutive season. Joining him in the six-man leadership group are Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson and Daniel Talia, as well as new leaders Eddie Betts and Tom Lynch.

Betts is coming off the best year of his career, where he was named in the All-Australian forward line, he booted 75 goals for the Crows. Tom Lynch was also a top performer for the Crows, he was named in the provisional 40-man All-Australian squad.

Walker said he was thrilled to captain the Club again.

“It’s always an honour to be named captain of your football club and it’s a responsibility I thoroughly enjoy,” Walker said.

“I am really confident in the playing group we have at the Club and am excited for what season 2017 holds.”

Sloane has been elevated to the position of vice-captain in his fifth season in the leadership group. Daniel Talia and Scott Thompson are also long serving leaders.

Crows Senior Coach Don Pyke praised the six players selected in this year’s senior leadership group.

“Taylor has done an exceptional job as captain during my time at the Club and has fittingly been returned to the role,” Pyke said.

“Rory is a great leader on and off the field for our players and he has deservedly been selected vice-captain. Daniel and Scott were both influential with their leadership last year and will continue to play an important role in 2017.

“Excitingly, Tom and Eddie have been recognised for their commitment to our team values and have been added to the group and both will be key contributors this season.”

Veterans Sam Jacobs and Richard Douglass have been left out of the leadership group, while former captain Nathan van Berlo retired last season.

Adelaide’s 2017 AFL Senior Leadership Group is:
Taylor Walker (captain)
Rory Sloane (vice-captain)
Scott Thompson
Daniel Talia
Eddie Betts (new)
Tom Lynch (new)