Tex returns to the scene of the crime

Crows co-captain Patrick Dangerfield, right, talks to Taylor Walker during his comeback match against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

IT was a moment that made every Crows fan sick to their stomachs.

With just under nine minutes remaining in the first term of Adelaide's clash against Carlton at the MCG in round five last year, Blues defender Andrew Walker kicks a low pass along the boundary line to teammate Brock McLean, showing just enough of the ball to Crows forward Taylor Walker to make him go hard at the spoil.

MORE: MEMORIES OF TEX'S INJURY 'NOT AN ISSUE', SAYS SANDO

Walker is a split second too late and knowing he's missed the ball, looks back over his right shoulder to see if McLean has marked it.

In doing so the Coleman Medal favourite forgets about preparing to land, and as his right boot hits the ground, it catches and shoots him back into the air, hyperextending his knee in the process.

As Walker recalled later: "I was expecting to get body (contact) and I didn't. As funny as it sounds, you can lose awareness of where you're feet are. I hit the ground and catapulted a bit, it was like I was on a trampoline."

The Fox Footy commentary team doesn't immediately notice what's happened, but is quickly alerted by special comments man David King.

Taylor Walker being helped from the ground during the match against Carlton last year at the MCG.

"Walker's hurt," he says.

For the next 48 hours the Crows refuse to confirm what a supporter group - which has seen other fan favourites like Shaun Rehn, Tony Modra and Trent Hentschel suffer the same injury - already knows.

Walker has suffered a dreaded tear of his anterior cruciate ligament and is gone for the year.

"There was excruciating pain at first, but then I got up and thought I'd be fine," Walker said.

"I was assessed by the surgeon and, unfortunately, got the worst news possible."

So begins a 383-day recovery process which includes countless hours of work with club physio Duncan Kellaway, a trip to the US to see a renowned knee specialist and a well-managed return to the top level against Collingwood last Thursday.

Today Walker's journey comes full circle when a quirk in the schedule sees him return to the ground where his injury occurred to play the same opponent.

Hentschel was in a similar situation in round two of the 2009 season - his second game back in the AFL after a horrific knee injury late in the 2006 season.

Hentschel had successfully negotiated his return - coincidentally also a win against Collingwood - before playing on the ground he injured his knee, AAMI Stadium, in the second week back.

Hentschel says his situation was different to Walker's because he had trained numerous times at Adelaide's home ground before playing against St Kilda that season.

Walker is visiting the MCG for the first time, but Hentschel is confident today will be a success.

"The first one for me, to get that under your belt is the most important because it's a pretty draining week," Hentschel said.

"I think Tex will be all the better for that. I don't think he'll have any scars going back to the MCG. The big stage will suit him."

The Crows have the same view, believing any mental demons Walker may have had were vanquished in a season-sparking win against the Magpies last week.

"I haven't really thought about it to be honest. It's not an issue for us," coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"Tex is back bigger and stronger than he was before the injury last year. He's fitter and lighter. I don't think it will be an issue at all for Tex and it's certainly not an issue for us."

Walker will have gained some confidence from his 17 disposal, seven mark effort last week but there's still a few more steps to take before he'll feel like he's truly back.

He was unable to kick a goal last week, robbing the 50,000-strong crowd of what would have been an unforgettable moment, and fumbled more than he would have liked.

But Sanderson believes you'll see a different player today.

"He's looking really sharp. Unfortunately with all the training you do and even playing state league - nothing can replicate AFL speed. We saw a couple of times, he misjudged a couple," Sanderson said.

"(But) that was a high pressure game and for someone who has been out of the game for 12 months I still thought he played a fantastic game for us.

"I think that will help him. Those four quarters last week, adjusting back to AFL tempo, I think we'll see a much improved Tex again this week. He needed to have that game, get that one out the way. He kicked four points - hopefully he'll kick straighter this week."

Taylor Walker runs onto the Adelaide Oval for his comeback match. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

FULL CIRCLE

Taylor Walker's long journey back to the top

April 27, 2013

Walker tears his ACL against Carlton at the MCG

May 6

Walker has surgery to repair his knee at an Adelaide clinic

July 4

Walker shaves off his famous mullet to raise money for charity

August 30

Walker begins light running at the 4 month mark of his recovery

October 9

Walker travels to the US to meet knee rehabilitation specialist Bill Knowles

April 25

Walker celebrates his 24th birthday by playing his first game back in the SANFL. More than 9000 fans watch on at Glenelg on ANZAC Day as Walker kicks three goals.

May 15

After another strong outing in the SANFL, Walker makes his AFL return against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval, tallying 17 disposals in a 21-point win.

May 25

Wakler returns to the MCG to play Carlton in his second game back in the AFL

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