Recently retired Adelaide forward Taylor Walker says the club must get midfield help for Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine to improve in 2027, while another dashing half-back is needed.
Walker and the Crows' season came to a crashing halt on Saturday when they were downed by the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, with the loss being the last match of the veteran forward's career.
Adelaide were in the hunt for Lions free agent Zac Bailey, but were forced to learn of his decision to stay in Queensland the week the two clubs did battle, as well as witness an outstanding performance.
“I think we will probably need an inside mid that can help Dawson and Rankine so they don't have to be the battering rams all the time," Walker said on Triple M.
"You always want to get A-grade midfielders and the club has been talking about whether they can get some help off half back for Wayne Milera."
Walker reflected on Saturday's match and how damning the Lions were as they search for a third consecutive flag.
“If you think of a boxing fight, we got punched in the mouth and some. They were unbelievable; credit to Brisbane," he said.
"We just weren't able to get our hands on the footy and slow them down, so disappointing way to start the game, and I thought we edged our way back in the second quarter; we just weren't able to get anywhere near it in the last half. They were exceptional.
"I just think it's theirs to lose now. I can't see the other three teams beating them… we just got a reality shock of probably where we are at.
“We weren't able to be in the fight for long enough. For a good year, it was a disappointing way to finish the finals series.”
